Why Doesn’t Ford Lock the EVSE Plug Like Rivian?

[Smokewagun]

Just thinking as I disconnected my Lightning from the charger at work so a fellow worker could charge a Rivian…. Why does the Rivian lock to the EVSE (8.5kW) plug to the vehicle, yet anyone can simply press the button on the plug if plugged into my Lightning, and run with the cord to their vehicle? Why no security?
I never checked, but is it the same with the fast chargers? I know we just press the center of the glowing ring next to the plug, and BINGO. It unlatches. Is the just because I have the key in my pocket, or is this a Ford Design fubar?

Sponsored

 

[TMND]

I’ve wondered the same. A holes are all over YouTube for unplugging teslas so not just a ford thing

 

[Grease Lightning]

Just thinking as I disconnected my Lightning from the charger at work so a fellow worker could charge a Rivian…. Why does the Rivian lock to the EVSE (8.5kW) plug to the vehicle, yet anyone can simply press the button on the plug if plugged into my Lightning, and run with the cord to their vehicle? Why no security?
I never checked, but is it the same with the fast chargers? I know we just press the center of the glowing ring next to the plug, and BINGO. It unlatches. Is the just because I have the key in my pocket, or is this a Ford Design fubar?

I will say implementation is key. My daughter’s Ioniq has that feature and how they did it is painful. Even with the doors unlocked, it locks the port. So you have to open the door or use the fob to unlock doors again to unlock it.

That seems silly.

 

[ryun]

I will say implementation is key. My daughter’s Ioniq has that feature and how they did it is painful. Even with the doors unlocked, it locks the port. So you have to open the door or use the fob to unlock doors again to unlock it.

That seems silly.

If it's anything like the Kia EV6 (and I'd bet it is since they use the same software) you can change this behavior in the car's settings to:

• Never lock the plug
• Lock the plug until charging is complete
• Always keep the plug locked

 

[Smokewagun]

I didn’t see any lock options in the center screen. Hmmmm. I’ll check again.

 

[invertedspear]

Why no security?
I never checked, but is it the same with the fast chargers?

1. No security is probably better, copper thief is gonna steal cable, locking the port means they'll damage your truck to do it. This is a matter of opinion I'm sure, but it's the only explanation I can come up with.
2. Yeah, when using a DCFC, it will lock to the port for safety reasons. If you stop the charge at the kiosk or by hitting the lock button next to the port, either way, the DCFC session will end and the cable can be removed.

 

[Rlevans]

I postulated this question just the other day. People suck and alot of chargers are in sketchy locations.
I'm more concerned about losing my adapter so a meth head can pawn it, than I am about being unplugged.
I may look into relocating my release button.

 

[TaxmanHog]

No Security at all.

DCFC interlock is solely to prevent high current arc flash, anyone can stop the charge and unplug the CCS1 connector.

 

[RickLightning]

I didn’t see any lock options in the center screen. Hmmmm. I’ll check again.

He wasn't replying to you.

 

[Smokewagun]

 

[MountainAlive]

1. No security is probably better, copper thief is gonna steal cable, locking the port means they'll damage your truck to do it. This is a matter of opinion I'm sure, but it's the only explanation I can come up with.
2. Yeah, when using a DCFC, it will lock to the port for safety reasons. If you stop the charge at the kiosk or by hitting the lock button next to the port, either way, the DCFC session will end and the cable can be removed.

This is my rationale as well. I’d rather someone just unplug it vs realizing it’s locked and then trying to yank or smash it out destroying the port.

 

[Smokewagun]

My concern is for that impatient shi* for brains being a jerk unplugging me when I am charging, but ran into the store for a bathroom break and a soda. I agree with the rest.
Full disclosure here, not a proud moment. The ports on our trucks are VERY robust. How do I know?

Picture this:

Circa 1925. Sicily. No, wrong story…. Circa 2023. Lightning. Electrify America pedestal . First fast charge. Completed. Grabbed the plug to remove, pressed button on handle. She no let go. Tried again. Again. Again. After a dozen times, the pulling started. That eased into a more of a robust and authoritative jerking. Not Realizing the EV God’s were laughing hysterically, I gave up and called Electrify America. My grief was compounded by NOT being a member and sitting on hold for 20 minutes. I called back as a “member”. Got right through.
Of course, EA knew nothing, as it wasn’t their unit’s problem. It was this units problem. Finally, after finding out I had no owners manual, I got more tweaked. Then was talked off the ledge when I was told to “see if you have access to an online manual” by EA’s representative. That lead to the manual on the center stack screen, and there in all its beauty was “Idiots should not forget to PUSH THE BUTTON located to the right of the charger plug to disengage the plug after charging at fast chargers”.

Now, don’t tell anyone. The port jerked and swayed, but never even winced.

 

[WildBlue]

I don't want it to lock the cord while charging on AC at my house. If you want a lock, it should be user-selectable option and not one or the other.

 

[Grumpy2]

Now, don’t tell anyone. The port jerked and swayed, but never even winced.

Gave me a smile ... and I certainly have never done something like that!!!

I hope the chance of someone unplugging my truck while charging is similar to having my tires slashed while I am parked at the mall. However the damage done by unplugging is only the loss of a little time. Taking the adapter is about equal to a new tire.

Just another event in my existence in society.

Thanks for your story.

 

[Albern]

No Security at all.

DCFC interlock is solely to prevent high current arc flash, anyone can stop the charge and unplug the CCS1 connector.

Could that DCFC interlock be used as a physical lock for J1772 and CCS1? I would think that they unlock button / stop DC charging could have logic in place to only work if the vehicle is unlocked or PAAK is present.

Sponsored