Ford Pro Launches Smart Charging Bundle for Massachusetts EV Fleets

Ford Pro has launched the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle to assist Massachusetts operations wanting to add electric vehicles to their fleet operations. The program aims to reduce upfront and ongoing charging costs.

How the  Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle Works

The Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle offers a free Ford Pro 48-amp charger for home or worksite charging, or an 80-amp charger for worksite charging, to Ford Pro Charging software subscribers enrolled in the Clean Peak Energy Standard (CPS), a program established by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources in 2020.

“Clean energy technologies like energy storage and demand response resources, when used during peak electricity demand, lower the likelihood that we need to call on expensive fossil fuels,” said Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner, Elizabeth Mahony. “Through its Clean Peak Energy Standard, DOER believes these technologies can reduce costs for ratepayers, lower Massachusetts’ emissions, and create a more resilient electric grid. Ford Pro’s Smart Charging Bundle is now among the tools to help Massachusetts shift to a clean energy portfolio and achieve net zero emissions in 2050.”

The CPS is designed to lower emissions and costs associated with seasonal periods of peak electricity demand by encouraging the use of clean energy technologies that can supply or reduce demand during peak periods.

"For both public and private sector fleets, our goal is to make their transition to electric easy for them," said Aaron Schneider, business development director at Ford Pro Charging. "This program enables them to accelerate their plans by helping them reduce the upfront charging hardware costs with a free Ford Pro EV charger. Their ongoing fuel and electricity costs can decrease over time by shifting charging times away from the most expensive peak periods."

EV Charging with Customization for Individual Fleet Needs

Ford Pro Charging software continuously monitors millions of data points daily to enhance the EV charging experience. This allows fleets to tailor and manage their electric vehicles and charger performance effectively.

For fleets using electric vehicles, operating costs can be reduced by 48% or more, covering fuel and maintenance. Moreover, customers charging Ford EVs could save hundreds of dollars per vehicle annually by scheduling charging during off-peak hours through smart charging software, according to Ford.

By utilizing demand response to limit EV charging during peak periods, energy loads can be balanced, leading to significant cost savings for businesses and contributing to a cleaner power grid.

“Our team is focused on easing the transition to electric for business and government customers,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “Through this program, Ford Pro customers essentially get their own virtual ‘charging manager,’ as we will do the heavy lifting such as providing no-cost charging hardware, managing the charging schedule, avoiding peak rates, and ensuring business EVs are powered up appropriately to get work done.”

The company plans to expand the offerings in this program beyond what is already provided in terms of regional expansion and capability expansion, according to a Ford Pro rep.