Is the Ford Charge Station Pro worth it?

[Highpi]

Hopefully the installer can install the FCSP on a 60 amp circuit with that 100a sub panel. They should do a load calculation and compute if the panel can accommodate another 60 amp circuit. They also should pull a permit and have building inspector approve it at your cost. Some have reported that Qmerit will charge you for permit cost and administration fee to create, apply and finalize the permit.

Report back with your experience.

So, Ford doesn't cover the permit or are you saying Qmerit may double charge and keep the difference?

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[flyct]

So, Ford doesn't cover the permit or are you saying Qmerit may double charge and keep the difference?

Just repeating what was posted by another member recently.
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...s-48-stepwise-ev-tap.28796/page-2#post-536949

 

[Zprime29]

My install was all out of pocket in '23, but I went through Qmerit. I paid them (or rather their local contractor) which included a separate line item for the city permit/fees. The amount paid to Qmerit did not change from the original quote I received prior to being contacted by the local contractor. Overall, I had a nice experience.

 

[HOTAS]

If you buy another Ev, or have one visit, (J1772, NACS) you won’t be able to use the FCSP to charge that car.
Also, You will have to flip open/closed the lower CCS flap every time you charge.
Get the Tesla UWC.

 

[Charge_Rob]

I'm getting close to pulling the trigger, finally, and the sales guy said the station pro is included, with install. Is it a decent evse or is it better to take the $500 and go third party. I had been eyeballing the Grizzl-e until I heard about the Ford unit being included in the purchase.

As pointed out earlier in the thread, if you choose the Ford Power Promise complimentary charger and standard installation now, it will probably not be a Ford Charge Station Pro that you receive - unless that dealer still has one in store to hand over (but most dealers have long depleted theirs and everyone gets a coupon code now). The charger may be a different home charger, like the Ford Connected Charge Station.

It's almost always absolutely a better deal to take a complimentary charger *and* installation than $500 in virtually all circumstances given that you can't purchase many home chargers for under $500 let alone have them professionally installed.

You will need to cover your municipality's permitting costs (if any).

 

[Highpi]

I just sent Qmerit all the info they need and ordered the evse. It's the 48 amp model, which is fine for me. I like the compact size.
Now I just need to wait for scheduling and delivery.

 

[hutchman]

The FCSP “free” deal includes ”basic installation”. You still will be responsible for permit fees. The FCSP is unique in that it’s designed to also work as a power source for your home if you spend another $10,000 for the unreliable additional hardware and labor.

Every EV manufacture is going to the Tesla standard connector in the near future. At This time a FCSP doesn’t have an adapter to charge Vehicles with Tesla NACS port.

My recommendation is to take the $500 and buy a Tesla UNIVERSAL Wall Connector for $650 and pay a local electrician to install it on a 60 amp circuit. It’s very reliable and has a 4 year warranty. The Universal Wall Connector has built in adapters to charge virtually any EV on the market today or in the near future. That way you future proof your installation.

What this guy said. I have one and after dealing with Ford "Customer Service," I would take the $500 and never look back.

 

[Daragh]

No, definitely not worth purchasing.

I don’t have mine connected as a whole house back up so I’m ignoring that function.

I only have it because it was included with the truck. It’s got very limited scheduling and functionality compared to a lot of other options out there.

I would keep as far away as possible from any stand alone product the involves software from Ford, terrible updates and support.

 

[RLXXI]

Came with the truck and they installed it for free as well, yep it was worth that.

 

[cdherman]

We got Charge Station Pro back up with Ford assistance. They sent a new unit. The probable event was some moisture intrusion, but they replaced it. So lets not malign Ford too much. Yes, there are installers that are crap.

Now, if I were offered a Connected charge station, I'd definitely take it. Why? Because you can use it on ANY J1772 vehicle. The stupid CCS unit that the charge station pro has (for the vehicle to home option) prevents you from charging any vehicle that has just J1772.

8A faster charging is 20% more. Not to scoff at.

Just in case anyone reading is not aware -- the units tell the vehicle what they are capable of -- the vehicle then takes either as much as they are designed for, or reduce the demand to meet the amperage capacity of the EVSE and circuitry. So EVSE are always downward compatible. Get the 48A. 60A circuits are easy to install.

Grizzl E makes a 80A EVSE by the way too.

 

[Henry Ford]

Is a free charger worth it? Yes.

Is it the best charger available? No.

Does it matter? No, it transfers electrons. It's fine.

Do I ask questions and then answer them myself? Yes.

 

[molsonmatt]

Yeah, that’s fine. The way the panel is setup, I’ll need to watch when I can charge.
I have a 100 amp sub panel with 50 amps going to an induction stove and a microwave and trash compactor on other circuits.
I’m home enough during the day, so most of my charging should be done before needing the big draw.
Or at least that’s my understanding of how it will play out.

You can adjust the amperage that the charger will send to the truck from the Ford app as well (as on apps for other chargers) so you don’t have to always draw the full 48a every time you plug in.

I just switched from FCSP to chargepoint. The ford charger was fine. It’s just that my utility has discounted off peak charging with certain charger brands, Ford not being one of them. That said, chargepoint is future proof as you can switch out the j1773 cable for a NACS if you need to down the road. Very handy.

 

[The Weatherman]

Only if it’s free.

 

[Highpi]

The 48 amp showed up yesterday. It will be fine for mine needs.
As Henry Ford alluded to above, as long as it transfers electrons, I'm good with it.

 

[flyct]

The 48 amp showed up yesterday. It will be fine for mine needs.
As Henry Ford alluded to above, as long as it transfers electrons, I'm good with it.

Congrats! If you don't intend to use the FCSP ability to connect to the Ford Home Integration System, HIS, you are much better off with the FREE 48 amp Ford Connected Charge Station and Free basic installation. https://chargers.ford.com/ford-connected-charge-station

Ford has been all over the map with the charger offers. When I bought my 2023 Lariat they sent me a FREE Ford Charge Station Pro which I sold on eBay and bought a Tesla Wall Connector.

When I leased my 2024 Platinum they offered either a Free FCSP without installation or a $1,000 incentive to be used as a additional down payment. I took the $1,000.

As stated earlier, I have a Tesla Universal Wall connector at both our house and our cabin. Since we have 2 EV's my plan is to daisy chain and load share the 60 amp line with another Tesla Wall connector at the house.

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