Ford Motor Co.’s commercial division Ford Pro has forged a unique collaboration with Xcel Energy to support the deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle charging ports for fleet customers, Ford announced Dec. 5.
These EV chargers will be deployed in Xcel Energy service territories across the US by 2030 with most upfront costs offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers, the company said in a statement on Dec. 5.
“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are launching the 30x30 initiative within Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program to scale EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for business fleets across Xcel Energy’s service areas in the U.S.,” the carmaker said. As part of the agreement between the two companies, Ford Pro will offer its suite of end-to-end charging solutions to Xcel Energy business customers.
The 30x30 initiative will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado, US, and Wisconsin, US, from the beginning of 2024. The company said that the program will seek opportunities for expansion in future US states over the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.
Ford added in its press note that the 30x30 collaboration is an inventive approach to help provide EV charging solutions to business fleets and streamline the process for businesses to acquire EV charging and support. Subject to applicable program requirements, Xcel Energy plans to install the EV charging infrastructure for business customers that qualify for and enroll in an approved EVSI program in the customer’s service location. Ford Pro will provide Ford Pro Charging equipment and post-installation customer service and support.
Ford Pro and Xcel Energy also intend to analyze telematics data from EVs participating in the initiative to promote commercial charging during off-peak times, helping reduce electric grid emissions and potentially saving money for customers.
Commenting on the collaboration, Amanda Rome, executive vice president, group president, utilities and chief customer officer at Xcel Energy, said, “Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure. 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.”
Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro, said, “We know electrification can be complex for businesses. 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 are creating a new model to help eliminate barriers for businesses in their electrification journey.”
