Apps/Subscriptions must have

[djteotancolis]

I know ABRP for route planning and Electricfy America subscriptions will help with charging. I plan to charge mostly on the road. Any apps or subscriptions that are needed that will ease the transition from ICE to the Lightning?

List:

1. ABRP
2. PlugShare
3. Electrify America

Thanks

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[broncoaz]

Following.

I just downloaded Electrify America and Plugshare. There is a charging screen on the map in Fordpass.

 

[hturnerfamily]

PlugShare tends to be a great go-to app to find charging options, and many times options that other apps or even google maps won't show... such as this new one: LittleCeasars in Albany, GA, at THREE store locations, all promote that they have NEMA 14-50 outlets FREE to use at anytime, at the back of the store. Sweet. That's certainly a great option if you aren't near any DC Fast Chargers or the store is near a shopping mall or area you are going to to be for a while. Nice.

 

[RickLightning]

Plan your route with Google Maps.

Then, use ABRP. Note if the route is the same, looking for deviations that don't make sense.

Look up each stop on Plugshare and make sure the location is a good one. Then look them up the day of the trip, before you get to the next stop.

ABRP allows you to send the info to a spreadsheet. I put that in Google Drive, and for each stop I paste the Plugshare link so it's easy to check on the fly.

 

[greenne]

I really like Chargeway as well. Much of the same info as ABRP but the interface is cleaner.

Only thing I dislike about Chargeway is it needs to allow options. For example you cannot modify the efficiency or the minimum charge you want to drive. (It will default to mrf specs and will only take you down to 20%).

Also, I like the feature on ABRP where you can choose to stop less or stop more depending upon preference. Perhaps you'd prefer one longer lunch.charging break vs two shorter charge breaks..

Edit: Chargeway also does some weird stuff like direct me to use a level2 charger for 5hrs vs using a DCFC that may be a few miles off the highway.

 

[2000Firehawk]

Plan your route with Google Maps.

Then, use ABRP. Note if the route is the same, looking for deviations that don't make sense.

Look up each stop on Plugshare and make sure the location is a good one. Then look them up the day of the trip, before you get to the next stop.

ABRP allows you to send the info to a spreadsheet. I put that in Google Drive, and for each stop I paste the Plugshare link so it's easy to check on the fly.

This is exactly what we did on our 1,500 mile trip. From there you can tweak the route to create a stop around a meal or to hit a favorite restaurant, store, etc. One thing to also note is to give some consideration to arrival charge. Most apps/nav will try to get you there with your minimum charge left (setup in the app - usually 10%). That's fine if you are charging at your destination, but on a big out of town trip you may want one last charge as you head into your final destination to set you up for your next day of activities.

I would add three other things. If you are using Electrify America, you can check the availability as you are approaching which is nice. Saved us some wait time in one instance as we were able to divert to a nearby charger that had openings.

Also, add all the charging apps you can think of or might encounter now and sign up - just for the free login. There are a lot of different ones outside EA, EV-GO and Chargepoint and they end up controlling some of the lower level destination chargers. You won't always have a signal to download that chargers app which might mean that you miss out on some free charging at a restaurant, shop, tourist stop, etc. - learned that one the hard way.

Look for parking up front! Many places have EV parking in the front - even in full lots - which can make it not only more convenient, but also get some charging done.

 

[Beans]

Plan your route with Google Maps.

Then, use ABRP. Note if the route is the same, looking for deviations that don't make sense.

Look up each stop on Plugshare and make sure the location is a good one. Then look them up the day of the trip, before you get to the next stop.

ABRP allows you to send the info to a spreadsheet. I put that in Google Drive, and for each stop I paste the Plugshare link so it's easy to check on the fly.

I’m not doubt this a a great way to plan the trip, but it’s crazy this needs to be done given today’s technology. I can’t wait for the day this is all tied together in one place, and you don’t even worry about the software taking you to an out of service charger.

 

[cvalue13]

and Electricfy America subscriptions will help with charging.

well, I could use clarification around this one - I think that Electrify America overlaps with the Ford Pass / Blue Oval Network, so I’m unclear/uncertain that I’m supposed to sign up a separate EA account and pay any fees through them (if I’m instead paying through Ford Pass / Blue Oval)?

 

[2000Firehawk]

well, I could use clarification around this one - I think that Electrify America overlaps with the Ford Pass / Blue Oval Network, so I’m unclear/uncertain that I’m supposed to sign up a separate EA account and pay any fees through them (if I’m instead paying through Ford Pass / Blue Oval)?

Use your free 250 or 500 free charging first. Then you will want to signup for the EA pass which reduces the rate from $0.43 to $0.31 per kWh if you are traveling. You can switch this on and off relatively easily and is only $4/month I believe. The Ford Pass/Blue Oval part doesn't currently allow for the discounted rate. That is supposed to be coming and some of the Mach-E folks have tested it, but it hasn't rolled out yet.

 

[cvalue13]

Use your free 250 or 500 free charging first. Then you will want to signup for the EA pass which reduces the rate from $0.43 to $0.31 per kWh if you are traveling. You can switch this on and off relatively easily and is only $4/month I believe. The Ford Pass/Blue Oval part doesn't currently allow for the discounted rate. That is supposed to be coming and some of the Mach-E folks have tested it, but it hasn't rolled out yet.

thanks much for this clarification.

 

[HJP]

If your location is correct as Georgia and you plan to need away from home charging suggest you also download and register with the chargepoint app. Once you leave Atlanta there is a good chance you will need a chargepoint station sooner or later. Free to sign up.

 

[RickLightning]

I’m not doubt this a a great way to plan the trip, but it’s crazy this needs to be done given today’s technology. I can’t wait for the day this is all tied together in one place, and you don’t even worry about the software taking you to an out of service charger.

The Ford Navigation is lacking. ABRP is much better. But you still need the "does this make sense" check. More than on person has driven 30 miles in the wrong direction to charge because they didn't zoom out and say "that looks wrong". Using GoogleMaps shows you the most direct, non-charging route. If it's 543 miles, and another source is 600 miles, either something is wrong or you're headed to places like the Dakotas or West Virginia.

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