Ford Power Promise – Take the charger/install or the money/discount?

[topher10]

Sorry if this topic has been discussed, but I was unable to find it.

Since Ford is offering a free charger (Ford Charge Station Pro-FCSP) plus installation or $2,000 cash, I am trying to decide which option to take. Here is my rationale, and I would appreciate input.

Reasons to take the charger

• There are no surprises since installation is covered
• Ford branded charger that seems solid and is expensive.
• 80amp potential charging
• Bi-directional power for powering the whole home

Reasons to take the cash and pay for the charger/install separately

• You have more flexibility in the type of charger, considering that the Ford Charge Station Pro lacks some key features.
• F150 Lightning doesn’t charge at 80amps anyway
• You can probably save money if the installation is simple (adding a NEMA 14-50 plug) and you get a mid-range charger (~$400).
• Bidirectional power for whole-home charging requires significant additional expense. A transfer switch might better accomplish the same goal.
• You might get an additional rebate for independently purchasing a charger.

Based on the above, it seems that spending the money on a more highly rated charger is the wise thing to do unless the installation will be expensive, you want a feature specific to the FCSP, or you just don’t want to think about it.

Therefore, I think my next step is to get an installation estimate from Qmerit to get a feel for how expensive installation would be, and go from there.


Am I missing anything?

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[flyct]

Take the money and buy a Tesla Universal Wall Connector. Have it hard wired to a 60 amp circuit. It has a 4 year warranty and it future proofs the installation since it can be used for J1772 or NACS.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tesla-...er-up-to-48a-24-white/6557478.p?skuId=6557478

 

[Pioneer74]

Take the money and buy a Tesla Universal Wall Connector. Have it hard wired to a 60 amp circuit. It has a 4 year warranty and it future proofs the installation since it can be used for J1772 or NACS.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tesla-...er-up-to-48a-24-white/6557478.p?skuId=6557478

That is an excellent suggestion. The Charge Station Pro is overkill for the newer models without dual onboard chargers.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Take the cash and run.....

 

[Athrun88]

I'd take the cash. Unless you're really sold on the V2H that the FCSP is capable of (and all the additional hardware that goes with it) I personally don't see the point.

Also, in my case, my electric company only supports a select number of connected chargers to participate in their discount program. If it were me, I'd take that into account and get a different charger. Went with the Chargepoint Home Flex for me.

 

[TaxmanHog]

If it were me, I'd take that into account and get a different charger.

This is the path I would definitely take, my energy company only offers the TOU with specific EVSE's if the vehicle doesn't directly communicate with them (looking at you @Ford Motor Company )

 

[topher10]

I just did the online installation estimate, and Qmerit quoted $1100. I have a 200-amp panel (I think), but there are only two open slots (one at the bottom of each row). I would put the charger 15 feet from the panel on the same garage wall (exterior wall) because the Lightning won't fit in the garage.

The price seems a little high, but it's cheaper if I pay that cost and buy a $500 charger.

I am also considering installing a transfer switch to run power from the truck to two bedrooms during a storm, but I doubt the cost is worth it. I can just run extension cords, and I do not want to power the whole house or major appliances (all electric).

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

There's also a potential 30% federal tax credit for purchase and installation of an EV charger. There may also be state incentives. Given there are now very few 80A L2 vehicles, there's little reason to get the FCSP unless you want to try your luck at the V2H install.

$1100 seems reasonable to me.

 

[Ragman]

I have two of the Ford chargers still sitting in boxes... main reason they are cumbersome vs the $399 Grizz-e's that still do 40 amps (on a simple 4-50 plug) which has been more then enough.

Two ev's just get the dual head and plug/unplug viola upgraded!

I like the concept but the reality of actual charging needs simple has been the better choice.

So... I'd take the cash.

 

[Monkey]

If you’re only 15 feet from the panel, and are not cutting and refinishing drywall or other finished wall material, $1100 is definitely high. QMerit is known to be a bit pricey though. Get a couple other quotes, but unless you’re going to spend the extra money for more hardware and complicated installation to use the home integration system/ backup power from the truck, the FCSP isn’t worth it. It’s not a very good charger otherwise.

Also as pointed out in this thread, some power companies have preferred chargers and offer discounts or better rates along with them. There are also federal and some state tax credits for charger installation.

Take the money.

 

[carys98]

Take the money. Also, check your local, state, and power company for incentives. Duke Power in NC will reimburse up to $1100 to install an EVSE.

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

Take the money and buy a Tesla Universal Wall Connector. Have it hard wired to a 60 amp circuit. It has a 4 year warranty and it future proofs the installation since it can be used for J1772 or NACS.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tesla-...er-up-to-48a-24-white/6557478.p?skuId=6557478

This is the way. I would do this exact thing if I had it to do all over, even though I'm enormously satisfied with my Emporia EVSE.

After almost a year of home charging, I have never once wanted for more than 48 amps. In fact, I de-rate my Emporia for normal operation, and only step up to 48 in the rare circumstance that I absolutely need a quick charge.

80 amps is really overkill for most applications (not that they don't exist...).

 

[The Weatherman]

Money, money, money!!

 

[Navion]

Qmerit just subs the electrical work. The company I was given has already told me an additional $1200 will be charged. They haven't even been on site yet.
I have 440amp service to a slightly more than 7000 sq foot home.
I bought the ford lightning flash ONLY because i wanted to power the house, not the entire thing just our pump bc we are on well water, a few lights and fridge freezer x 4.

The electrical sub doesn't do the reverse power. Ford said I will need to contact Sunrun.

If I had to do it again I would have purchased a Tesla.

Take the money.

 

[Newton]

Take the money. Random thoughts:

You (your electrician) can use tandem breakers to increase the number of slots in your panel quite easily, some less than honest electricians will say that you need a new panel or a subpanel.

If you have 200A or more service then you should be fine with a reasonable sized EVSE (charger). There has been a huge debate on size here but in my experience a 32A EVSE (on a 40A breaker) has been fine. Modern EVSEs let you select the amperage that they run at.

The maximum load calculation is not simple, don’t let them add up the breakers and tell you that you don’t have enough power because it doesn’t work that way. You have more power than you think.

If you do need a subpanel, make it 100A because you will find a use for it in the future.

Unless you really need automatic transfer, a Generac Homelink panel and Pro Power Onboard makes a fine generator. There are also collars (Meter Collar Transfer Devices) that apparently make it easy If you don’t already have a generator subpanel set up.

Be OK with conduit and save money.

To really save money, don’t mention the EVSE part at all, just say that you need a commercial grade NMEA 14-50 plug in your garage for your welder. Keep the amperage down on your plug-in EVSE and you should be fine (hardwiring is better, though.)

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