In an era of transformative change toward electric mobility, Ford Pro, the commercial arm of Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, renowned for its clean energy solutions, have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration aims to pave the way for the installation of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories across the United States by 2030. Notably, most upfront costs for qualifying business fleet customers will be offset by Xcel Energy, a move anticipated to catalyze widespread EV adoption in the commercial sector.
Under the banner of the 30x30 initiative, embedded within Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program, Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are driving efforts to amplify EV adoption while enhancing the accessibility of charging infrastructure for business fleets across the vast expanse of Xcel Energy’s service areas throughout the U.S. As a cornerstone of this endeavor, most upfront costs associated with EV charging equipment and installation for business entities will be mitigated by Xcel Energy, demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering electrification.
Amanda Rome, Executive Vice President, Group President, Utilities & Chief Customer Officer at Xcel Energy, underscored the pioneering nature of this collaboration: “Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure. Together, we are committed to making a real impact on the future of electrification in America.”
Commencing in 2024, the 30x30 initiative is set to debut through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program rollout in Colorado and Wisconsin. Subsequently, over the next six years, subject to regulatory approvals, this program aims for expansion across additional states within Xcel Energy’s service territories, spanning Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.
Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro, emphasized the collaboration's aim to facilitate a seamless transition to electrification 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’re honored to work with Xcel Energy—together we’re creating a new model to help eliminate barriers for businesses in their electrification journey.”
The 30x30 initiative represents a pioneering approach, marking the convergence of a vehicle manufacturer and a utility provider to streamline the adoption of EV charging solutions for business fleets. Xcel Energy will facilitate the installation of charging infrastructure for qualifying business customers, offsetting most upfront costs. Ford Pro, in turn, will offer a suite of end-to-end charging solutions, encompassing equipment and post-installation support.
Moreover, Ford Pro's advanced technology, such as Ford Pro Intelligence, featuring smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics, empowers businesses to optimize charging schedules, enhance vehicle uptime, and potentially lower operational costs by harnessing data from vehicles and chargers.
Ford Pro’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles is evident through its lineup, which includes work-ready EVs like the F-150® Lightning® Pro pickup and E-Transit™ van, complemented by a range of charging hardware and software options, catering to varied charging needs. The company's extended DC Fast Charger offerings provide fleet operators with enhanced versatility, faster charge times, and more power, epitomizing Ford Pro’s dedication to enhancing the efficiency of electrified fleets.
Beyond the immediate benefits for businesses, this collaboration also underscores a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. Through the analysis of telematics data from participating vehicles, Ford Pro and Xcel Energy aspire to promote commercial charging during off-peak periods, thereby potentially reducing electric grid emissions and delivering cost savings to customers.
This innovative collaboration between Ford Pro and Xcel Energy serves as a template for future industry partnerships, providing a robust blueprint for energy and utility companies to meet the burgeoning EV charging infrastructure needs of businesses within their service territories. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Ford Pro and Xcel Energy’s concerted efforts herald a future where electrified fleets pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
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