Ford EV drivers can charge for free in Texas
To profit from the offer, owners of newer BEV and PHEV Ford models must be customers of TXU Energy, one of Texas’ largest energy providers. Also, the energy charged is only free between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day. Customers who plug in during that time will get a credit on their energy bill.
According to Ford, the idea behind the partnership with TXU Energy is “to educate Texans about the perks of driving electric while incentivizing consumers to charge when demand on the grid is at its lowest.” The partners are also interested in looking at customer interest “in additional future retail energy offerings that further incentivize customers to support grid stability in the state.”
The programme is available to drivers of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape Plugin Hybrid in the US state of Texas. Lincoln plug-in hybrids are also part of the deal, it appears. In the FordPass app, drivers can schedule their preferred charging time to schedule it during TXU Energy’s free hours. If an EV needs to be charged outside of that 18-hour window, the normal energy rates apply.
US website The Verge writes that the programme will run through 2026 and that, according to Ford PR representative Eddie Fernandez, the goal is to keep it running after that. Moreover, the programme could be expanded to include other EV makers in the future.
“Encouraging our electric vehicle customers to charge at off-peak hours through programs like Free EV Miles helps to save them money while supporting a more sustainable, resilient electrical grid,” said Bill Crider, senior director, global charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. “Ford electric SUV and trucks already have a lower operating and maintenance cost compared to gas-powered vehicles, and at-home charging offers additional financial perks and future vehicle-to-grid services never before possible, which Ford is committed to leading for our customers.”
“This partnership with Ford fits squarely into TXU Energy’s broader strategy of educating customers on the benefits of owning an EV, removing barriers to making the switch, and increasing grid resiliency,” said Sam Sen, vice president of energy transition solutions for TXU Energy. “We are proud to support Ford’s Texas EV customers with flexible, free charging hours and the significant cost savings that come with it.”
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