On May 25, 2023, two of the world’s major automakers, Ford and Tesla, announced a partnership that grants Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) owners access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This historic collaboration is expected to go live in early 2024, with Ford EV owners able to utilize over 12,000 Supercharger stations throughout the United States and Canada.
As part of the agreement, Ford EV drivers will have the opportunity to use the Tesla app to facilitate payment for charging at Supercharger stations. Moreover, they will also have access to Tesla’s robust network of fast chargers, mirroring the convenience enjoyed by Tesla owners.
This groundbreaking partnership between Ford and Tesla signifies a significant leap in the electric vehicle industry. This collaboration is the first instance of major automakers deciding to share their charging infrastructure, setting a promising precedent for future industry collaboration.
The benefits to Ford EV owners, and to the wider EV market, are considerable. The shared network will vastly improve the ease of charging for Ford EV drivers, addressing one of the major pain points for potential EV adopters. Consequently, this could further catalyze the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, a move aligned with global sustainability goals.
Yet, Ford’s electrification efforts do not stop at this partnership. The company has affirmed its commitment to the EV market by announcing plans to expand its own charging network significantly. As part of the BlueOval Charge Network, Ford plans to inaugurate 1,800 new DC fast charging stations by early 2024, thereby expanding its own footprint in the charging infrastructure landscape.
The combination of Ford’s growing charging network and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network translates into unparalleled charging convenience for Ford EV owners. This vast network of fast chargers, spanning the United States and Canada, is expected to make EV ownership even more attractive for potential buyers.
Ultimately, this collaboration signals a new era of cooperation within the electric vehicle market, one that not only caters to the convenience of EV owners but also fosters the necessary environment for the broader adoption of cleaner, more sustainable transport options. As more automakers potentially follow suit, the shared charging network model could become a standard in the industry, propelling us closer to a fully electrified future.
