This will be my last attempt at a Lightning Road Trip

[GDN]

Huh. I have just as much interest in <Insert Auto Brand here> branded chargers as I do <Insert Auto Brand Here> branded gas pumps, which is precisely zero. But, that's just me I guess.

I'm just saying they never contributed to it and they don't care what experience you have. Rivian is out there, Benz is out there, GM is out there. Ford is laughing well - guess we'll give up on EV's because we can't help get our owners to good consistent chargers.

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[CavRider]

I'm just saying they never contributed to it and they don't care what experience you have. Rivian is out there, Benz is out there, GM is out there. Ford is laughing well - guess we'll give up on EV's because we can't help get our owners to good consistent chargers.

You're speaking I suppose about IONNA and Fomoco conspicuous absence? If so that is a fair point and I would be curious to know the why's and wherefore's.

 

[GDN]

Do you think that they built the "Blue Oval Network" but did NOT contribute? That they just told EA "hey, we are calling your chargers the Ford network, ok thanks". If they entered into a partnership then they DID contribute. And why are you saying they don't need Ford branded chargers, but then in every post claim that that is what contributing IS? By joining with EA they DID contribute, it just doesn't have their name on the charger.

The ability for the navigation SOFTWARE to find a charger has absolutely zero to do with the success or failure of a "Ford Network". The software being unable to route to a Tesla charger in no way supports your argument. They can have the best network in the world and still have crap software.

As to your last point, yes three to four alternatives are suggested because the SOFTWARE sucks, which has nothing to do with the network. You even said it, as of today they literally have the largest charging network anywhere since Tesla is included, and the software still fails. That is a software issue, not a network one.

You come at it blind - if the software can't find it - then what kind of network is it. It isn't one at all. Go get in your truck with no other aids and make a 1500 mile trip. You can't. Period. End of Story.

 

[GDN]

Yes, we know aboutt he software, but there ARE alternatives. You still can use their trip planning tools, you still can use their plug and charge, you can start a charge without another app or subscription.

To claim the software IS the network is false, they are two RELATED but distinctly separate things.

Ever seen how it's done right? Almost everyone has a friend these days with a Tesla. Ask for a demo.

 

[iam-s-Hon]

Ever seen how it's done right? Almost everyone has a friend these days with a Tesla. Ask for a demo.

Thanks for the PR opinion, Adrian Dittman.

 

[Brons2]

Huh. I have just as much interest in <Insert Auto Brand here> branded chargers as I do <Insert Auto Brand Here> branded gas pumps, which is precisely zero. But, that's just me I guess.

Exactly. Nobody expects a seller of ICE vehicles to put together refueling infrastructure for them. Why the disconnect?

 

[lightspeed]

I have a hard time understanding what the problem is.

The FordPass -> Public Charging section lists all compatible fast chargers available across 12+ charging networks, everywhere in the US and how many are available, and usually the price. You can filter out Tesla stations that require the adapter if you don't have one. (It also list a bunch of L2 chargers.)

Tesla and Electrify America support plug-n-charge. The rest require activating the stall from the FordPass app.

What could be simpler? The integration is actually very nice. Does any other manufacturer have such a nice integration with 12+ charge networks?

Are there places in the US where there are data issues/errors? I'm scanning through random states now and see chargers all over the place. I'm curious what conditions make it so hard.

 

[John Becker]

I'm scanning through random states now and see chargers all over the place.

It's my understanding that West Virginia used to be a DCFC desert. Is that still the case?

 

[lightspeed]

It's my understanding that West Virginia used to be a DCFC desert. Is that still the case?

I see a pretty good number of chargers in WV in the FordPass app. Maybe 130 miles between chargers in the worst case (but just a guess by looking at the map).

The app even makes it clear which Tesla chargers are not compatible (V2 or whatever), not sure why it doesn't just hide those to be honest.

 

[John Becker]

Maybe 130 miles between chargers

That's my fear. I get to a charger. It's broken. And then I don't have enough juice to go 130 miles to the next charger that might also be broken. Is my fear unreasonable?

 

[lightspeed]

That's my fear. I get to a charger. It's broken. And then I don't have enough juice to go 130 miles to the next charger that might also be broken. Is my fear unreasonable?

Not unreasonably, because you can't just assume a charger will be close to where you need it like a gas station.

But, if you pick the next general area down the road 180 miles you can see all the chargers in that area with the number of stalls and current availability. If you want confidence, make sure there is a compatible Tesla station even if it's a backup for another preferred charge network.

I'm sure there are areas that need careful planning, but how many of us are tripping through North Dakota?

500 mile range with 500 kW charging would be a game changer...but it's not too bad now.

 

[B177y]

I'm sure there are areas that need careful planning, but how many of us are tripping through North Dakota?

I did a round trip from Western WA to East-Central ND. 3300 miles round trip. Not necessarily "through" ND, but drove around plenty while I was there. It was autumn, so temps were reasonable and not crazy ND winter cold.

Hotel had a level-2 charger which made it possible to day trip and stay charged up. ABRP pre-planning and using ABRP with an OBD dongle during the trip made it easy. Almost all Tesla charging except for two EA stops.

80mph on the interstate and mileage was approx 1.4 mpKw. Pretty seamless and enjoyable trip.

 

[lightspeed]

I did a round trip from Western WA to East-Central ND. 3300 miles round trip. Not necessarily "through" ND, but drove around plenty while I was there. It was autumn, so temps were reasonable and not crazy ND winter cold.

Hotel had a level-2 charger which made it possible to day trip and stay charged up. ABRP pre-planning and using ABRP with an OBD dongle during the trip made it easy. Almost all Tesla charging except for two EA stops.

80mph on the interstate and mileage was approx 1.4 mpKw. Pretty seamless and enjoyable trip.

Thanks. Sounds like it was good.

I wasn't trying to pick on ND or anything, just saying certain rural areas need more carefully planning, but most more populated areas should be pretty easy now with just the FordPass app.

 

[B177y]

Thanks. Sounds like it was good.

I wasn't trying to pick on ND or anything, just saying certain rural areas need more carefully planning, but most more populated areas should be pretty easy now with just the FordPass app.

Didn't feel picked on, all good.

ID, MT, and ND are pretty much worse case scenarios for EV road tripping. Just wanted to show that it's still possible in the Lightning... With proper planning.

 

[Henry Ford]

What could be simpler?

Google Maps route planning integration would be nice. It already has the capacity to reroute around traffic - I use it in town and on my drive to work for this reason - it knows my truck and it can predict what the SOC will be at the destination. It doesn't seem like a stretch to add charging stops at known compatible chargers.

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