Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, announced their partnership in assembling 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports throughout the U.S. by 2030 in Xcel Energy territories. This initiative is being referred to as the 30x30 initiative. The initiative will be part of Xcel Energy's Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program, which will improve the availability and access to charging ports for business fleets in particular within Xcel's U.S. service areas. By using this program, Xcel Energy will balance out most of the upfront costs for charging material and its installation for businesses.
“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” said Amanda Rome, executive vice president, group president, utilities & chief customer officer at Xcel Energy. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging, and software solutions. Xcel Energy is a trusted advisor in transportation electrification, providing energy, infrastructure, and innovative solutions for customers’ homes, businesses, and EVs. Together, we are committed to making a real impact on the future of electrification in America.”
Starting in 2024, 30x30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin.Ford Motor Company
“We know electrification can be complex for businesses,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “We’re focused on helping them make that transition, at the right time in the right way, that’s best for their business. We know that may require new ways of working to encourage and support adoption. We’re honored to work with Xcel Energy— together we’re creating a new model to help eliminate barriers for businesses in their electrification journey.”
How 30x30 Works
The 30x30 collaboration is an inventive approach between a vehicle manufacturer and utility provider that teamed up to help provide EV charging solutions to business fleets. Together, the companies will streamline the process for businesses to acquire EV charging and support. Subject to applicable program requirements, Xcel Energy will install the charging infrastructure for business customers who qualify for and enroll in an approved EVSI program in the customer’s service location, with most upfront costs offset by Xcel Energy. Ford Pro will provide Ford Pro Charging equipment and post-installation customer service and support.
Business fleets can also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, which offers smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics.Ford Motor Company
Business fleets can also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, which offers smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics. The integrated software and hardware solutions help increase uptime and potentially lower operational costs by allowing businesses to access data from both vehicles and chargers. These solutions help ensure vehicles are charged and ready when businesses need them while optimizing how, when, and where EVs are charged.
Benefits for Business, the Electric Grid, & the Future
Ford Pro is committed to helping customers simplify their transition to zero tailpipe emissions with a growing lineup of Ford work-ready EVs — including the F-150 Lightning Pro pickup and E-Transit van — and Ford Pro Charging hardware with available 48- and 80-amp chargers to enable overnight charging with Level 2 AC charging, plus Ford Pro Charging software for home, public, and depot chargers. Ford Pro also offers extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW, giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and potentially shorter charge times.
Ford Pro and Xcel Energy also intend to analyze telematics data3 from vehicles participating in the initiative to promote commercial charging during off-peak times, helping reduce electric grid emissions4 and potentially saving customers money.
This novel approach provides energy and utility companies a template for future collaboration, helping them meet the EV charging infrastructure needs of businesses in their service areas.
