BlueOval Charge Network expands Plug & Charge to IONNA and Ford Charge

[LiteNing]

I think it is unlikely that we will see membership discounts through the plug and charge system.

The thing is that the member program is fundamentally a loyalty program, much like airline premier status. The monthly fee and discounted rates are designed to entice you to do all (or as much as possible) charging with that one network. It usually doesn’t make sense to pay for memberships on two networks at once, and it doesn’t make sense to charge out-of-network once you have paid for one.

The problem (from the charge network’s perspective) is that plug and charge effectively commoditizes charging, so you have no incentive to be loyal to one over another. It’s just as easy to use Tesla as EA as EVgo even if you don’t have the app installed.

Another other problem that comes to mind: Typically the membership is associated with a person, not a car. What is to stop a group of friends from associating all of their cars with one membership, thus diminishing the loyalty proposition of the membership? Five of us each pay for one network and now get discounts on all five. Now we don’t have any reason to stick with any one network.

I’d like plug and charge membership discounts too, but I don’t see how the networks have any incentive to cooperate with Ford.

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[jbassett]

The thing is that the member program is fundamentally a loyalty program, much like airline premier status. The monthly fee and discounted rates are designed to entice you to do all (or as much as possible) charging with that one network. It usually doesn’t make sense to pay for memberships on two networks at once, and it doesn’t make sense to charge out-of-network once you have paid for one

I have no problem with the monthly charge, I just don't want to have to use the app to take advantage of the discount. If I'm taking a short trip and only need one or two charges I won't enroll in a membership and get the non member rates. But if I know I'm going to charge a lot for a trip I can enroll and try to stick with that one network but just have to plug and charge to use it.

Another other problem that comes to mind: Typically the membership is associated with a person, not a car. What is to stop a group of friends from associating all of their cars with one membership, thus diminishing the loyalty proposition of the membership? Five of us each pay for one network and now get discounts on all five. Now we don’t have any reason to stick with any one network.

What's stopping someone from sharing the login to the membership today?

 

[flabrent]

I think it is unlikely that we will see membership discounts through the plug and charge system.

..........

I’d like plug and charge membership discounts too, but I don’t see how the networks have any incentive to cooperate with Ford.

I was surprised when Tesla opened their chargers to other vehicles. I'm pretty sure Tesla "bean counters" pushed for this.
Now, with the ten's of thousand of Mach-E's and Lightnings out on the streets, I'd be surprised if none of the networks of DCFC wouldn't be willing to cut a deal with Ford's plug and charge. I'm counting on someone's CFO saying "Hey, this makes sense for us to steer more vehicles to our chargers."

 

[PJnc284]

Don't let me get on a rant about how stations should much more prominently SHOW the station number, clearly and well lit, and RIGHT IN FRONT of your face. Why some, like Tesla, put their's at the very bottom of the pedestal, or on the SIDE away from the vehicle, I'll never know.

ha and sometimes they don't even put the numbers on them. Took a while for Tesla to add them to the v4 dispensers when they expanded the location in Halifax, NC.

 

[FloridaMan655321]

I feel kind of spoiled as I thought Ionna was already on the list. Just seems like there are so many, which is very nice.
One near me that isn't on the list is 7/11 stations. Any plans for them?

 

[Ekiehn]

I'm just thrilled that IONNA is now PlugNCharge.. my typical long haul trip has 2 new IONNA locations just coming on-line right where i need them. It's always nice to just get to a charging spot, just plugging in and walking away (smiling to myself when I see other people struggling with apps - though I do often find myself helping out).

 

[PreservedSwine]

I Love that plug-n-charge works. But since it removes any membership discounts, switching back and forth between plug-n-charge at stations I'm not a member vs stations I have a membership removes any of the convenience. I don't use plug-n-charge for that reason.

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