Ford Pro, Xcel Energy partner to install 30,000 business fleet charging ports
Through a joint effort, Xcel Energy and Ford Pro – a commercial division within Ford Motor Company – announced this week that they will support deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle charging ports in the former’s service territories by 2030.
The 30×30 initiative will range across the United States, and most upfront costs for businesses’ EV charging equipment and installation will be offset by Xcel, so long as they qualify and enroll in the program. In return, installation of these chargers will be greatly simplified, beginning in Colorado and Wisconsin in 2024. It will operate under the larger Xcel plan known as the Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program, which likewise works to scale EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for business fleets.
“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” said Amanda Rome, executive vice president and group president of utilities and 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. And 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.”
For its part, Ford Pro will provide a suite of end-to-end charging solutions for Xcel Energy business customers, including both charging equipment and post-installation customer support. The smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics contained within Ford Pro Intelligence will also be on offer, as ways to increase uptime and possibly lower operational costs through easy access to both vehicular and charging data.
While the program will begin in just two states, it will seek expansion over the next six years to Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas. All will depend on the necessary regulatory approvals, though.
