Ford launches new home charging solution to help businesses adopt electric trucks

According to foreign media reports, Ford Pro, Ford's commercial vehicle service business, has launched a home charging solution tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The manufacturer will launch a 22 kW wall-mounted charger in time to coincide with the launch of the E-Transit Custom. It will be launched first in the UK and then gradually in other European markets.

(Image source: Ford)

Ford said that the "Ford Pro Home Charging" provided this time is specifically for companies that do not have a central vehicle warehouse or employ full-time fleet managers. It includes providing employees with home charging solutions with extended functions, such as charging process billing, status monitoring or pre-treatment. Drivers can use the networked Ford Pro Home Charger at home to charge the electric truck during their shift.

It is reported that with the help of the charging management software included in the product, users can arrange charging time and take full advantage of off-peak electricity prices to help reduce energy costs. The E-Transit Custom uses an 11kW AC three-phase on-board charger that can fully charge the battery in 6.7 hours, so users can easily charge at night.

The home charging solution also integrates with Ford Pro Telematics to simplify compliance with driver travel expense reimbursement and accounting requirements, allowing large fleets that park at home overnight to integrate the new home charging service into their operations.

The system also offers remote pre-conditioning central control, heats or cools the battery and cabin while charging to optimize range, and displays alerts when the vehicle is not charging when it should. Workers can also check the vehicle's health data and charging status through Ford Pro Telematics Drive (the Ford Pro Telematics companion app) or FordPass (if they operate a vehicle).

This is the latest addition to Ford Pro's digital and physical platform for vehicles, charging, software, services and finance, designed to help companies reduce ownership costs, work more efficiently and simplify the transition to electric vehicles. Ford Pro will provide installation, maintenance and a five-year warranty for the charger. Hans Schep, Managing Director of Ford Pro Europe, said: "With seamless integration into the Ford Pro ecosystem, a simplified reimbursement solution with a single-screen view, and comprehensive after-sales support including a five-year hardware warranty, the Ford Pro Home Charging Kit provides customers with unparalleled uptime and productivity."