Ford removing Public Charging app from Lightning!!

[Q2U]

So just returned from a 600 mile road trip. When we were ready to find a charger for our first charge, we opened the “Public Charging” app to find that all that you get is a message that says “Limited Functionality while driving.” It should have opened and based on our location, listed the Ford network chargers. We found a charger (using Google). When we tried to activate the charger that was on the FORD network, it was not possible through the display. While charging, we called Ford Support who advised us that the Public Charging app was being turned off. The rep we talked with said she was not aware that it had already started………. After a short hold she came back and confirmed that it was going away. She assured us that it was no problem, because we can use our Ford App on our phone to locate and navigate to chargers………. I asked her if FORD really wants its customers to be looking at their cellphone to locate and navigate to chargers when they have a 15” display on the dash that used to do that, she agreed it did not seem to be an optimal way to do it. I requested that a case be created and someone from FORD contact me to discuss. Waiting to see if that really happens.
If FORD is going to make changes like this, I think there should be communications to the owners prior to change. This “surprise” added 70 minutes to ann already long day as we tried to make what we had been using work.

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[Lightning Bronson]

Keep complaining to Ford that removing Public Charging from the infotainment system is such a stupid move!

 

[Kev12345]

why is it so hard to copy Tesla's nav? just copy it. its what we all want...

 

[digitaldad]

@Q2U , this was changed earlier this year, please see the thread below.

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/changes-coming-to-charge-assist-fordpass-app.28141/

 

[RLXXI]

I always use google maps when out and about. Think I used the Ford nav once? Not impressed.

 

[Grease Lightning]

So just returned from a 600 mile road trip. When we were ready to find a charger for our first charge, we opened the “Public Charging” app to find that all that you get is a message that says “Limited Functionality while driving.” It should have opened and based on our location, listed the Ford network chargers. We found a charger (using Google). When we tried to activate the charger that was on the FORD network, it was not possible through the display. While charging, we called Ford Support who advised us that the Public Charging app was being turned off. The rep we talked with said she was not aware that it had already started………. After a short hold she came back and confirmed that it was going away. She assured us that it was no problem, because we can use our Ford App on our phone to locate and navigate to chargers………. I asked her if FORD really wants its customers to be looking at their cellphone to locate and navigate to chargers when they have a 15” display on the dash that used to do that, she agreed it did not seem to be an optimal way to do it. I requested that a case be created and someone from FORD contact me to discuss. Waiting to see if that really happens.
If FORD is going to make changes like this, I think there should be communications to the owners prior to change. This “surprise” added 70 minutes to ann already long day as we tried to make what we had been using work.

The reality is how the app was implemented it was less useful to the masses. Most either ready use ABRP or PlugShare. Then in route often what was baked into Android Auto or CarPlay. Then those that used the navigation, sometimes used that.

While driving, I never found it useful to use a Ford specific charging “public charging app”. Sadly this app was a solution looking for a problem more than a solution. If they would have baked into the horrible navigation system that would have been better.

 

[On the Road with Ralph]

I am about to leave on my 17th Lightning road trip of more than 1500 miles. I guess it says a lot about my regard for the Ford built-in NAV system that I never even noticed any changes to how it handled public charging. As far as I’m concerned, this is why CarPlay matters. I use PlugShare in conjunction with Apple Maps and get a Tesla level experience without the Tesla.

 

[Albern]

This is old news. But for what it's worth, someone on FB who is in the EAP indicated that an upcoming update will now include Tesla Superchargers with a configurable filter for whether they have the J3400 adapter or not.

I'm glad this is finally being released. Hopefully there will be improved navigational UI capability when selecting a DCFC along a planned route. Selecting a number from a table that takes up too much room makes it difficult.

@Ford Motor Company some feedback for the SYNC Team whom I appreciate their efforts.

 

[Pacific.NW]

Lightning drivers still use that? I think I used it once and just relied on my various CarPlay apps as they’re so much easier and more intuitive.

 

[FirstF150InCasco]

The Ford Nav app SUCKS doing the function of navigation. So I don't use it. Instead, I use (what I think is) the best Nav app to use for navigation. And I use the Tesla app to find chargers.

 

[Rip]

So just returned from a 600 mile road trip. When we were ready to find a charger for our first charge, we opened the “Public Charging” app to find that all that you get is a message that says “Limited Functionality while driving.” It should have opened and based on our location, listed the Ford network chargers. We found a charger (using Google). When we tried to activate the charger that was on the FORD network, it was not possible through the display. While charging, we called Ford Support who advised us that the Public Charging app was being turned off. The rep we talked with said she was not aware that it had already started………. After a short hold she came back and confirmed that it was going away. She assured us that it was no problem, because we can use our Ford App on our phone to locate and navigate to chargers………. I asked her if FORD really wants its customers to be looking at their cellphone to locate and navigate to chargers when they have a 15” display on the dash that used to do that, she agreed it did not seem to be an optimal way to do it. I requested that a case be created and someone from FORD contact me to discuss. Waiting to see if that really happens.
If FORD is going to make changes like this, I think there should be communications to the owners prior to change. This “surprise” added 70 minutes to ann already long day as we tried to make what we had been using work.

Yeah...unfortunately, Ford is apparently thinking of getting rid of the Lightning altogether. If that happens, watch for support, new features, etc. to fade away.

 

[ka-chow]

I disagree. We’re still data guinea pigs for them so I don’t that happening either way. And despite the current situation I think most companies agree that EVs will be the future so Ford will surely wanna keep learning. No matter what.

Yeah...unfortunately, Ford is apparently thinking of getting rid of the Lightning altogether. If that happens, watch for support, new features, etc. to fade away.

 

[davehu]

why is it so hard to copy Tesla's nav? just copy it. its what we all want...

because Tesla doesn't support Android auto or Carplay. They force you to use their NAV system. I will probably not renew the Ford NAV when Android Auto with google maps is available for free

 

[FirstF150InCasco]

because Tesla doesn't support Android auto or Carplay. They force you to use their NAV system. I will probably not renew the Ford NAV when Android Auto with google maps is available for free

I assume the person making that comment ment for Ford to copy the functionality; the look and feel; the functional design. Maybe my assumption is incorrect.

As for CarPlay, I would not buy a car that does not support CarPlay.

 

[Adventureboy]

I used to use both the Ford Navigation and a carplay navigation. Purpose - the Ford Navigation gave me somewhat accurate range estimates on the instrument panel when it knew the trip. It doesn't seem to allow both to be active at the same time now.

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