Hidden charging stations

[bronco->lightning]

Are there more Ford dealerships with Level 2 chargers than we think?

I’ve had my Lightning for almost two months, and I’m loving it. But it’s my first EV so I’m re-learning the logistics of local travel. The round trip to the in-laws for Thanksgiving and Christmas is just slightly outside the range of the ER, and East Texas isn’t the easiest place to find a charger. But it seems like all the small-town Ford dealers have at least one charger installed. Three of the four we’ve found (including the county seat) don’t show up on any list of charging stations: Ford Nav, Charge Assist, ABRP, PlugShare, etc.

Anyone else seeing this, or is this a local phenomenon?

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[Maximum Effort]

Are there more Ford dealerships with Level 2 chargers than we think?

I’ve had my Lightning for almost two months, and I’m loving it. But it’s my first EV so I’m re-learning the logistics of local travel. The round trip to the in-laws for Thanksgiving and Christmas is just slightly outside the range of the ER, and East Texas isn’t the easiest place to find a charger. But it seems like all the small-town Ford dealers have at least one charger installed. Three of the four we’ve found (including the county seat) don’t show up on any list of charging stations: Ford Nav, Charge Assist, ABRP, PlugShare, etc.

Anyone else seeing this, or is this a local phenomenon?

I believe those are the dealers for their ev charging. Most dealers, I have seen, leave their unsold EVs or their loaners plugged into them when they are closed. Or some turn them off when they are closed. That’s not to say they would not let you use one when they are open, you could ask.
Dealers are in the process of installing fast chargers for the public but they will look like the ones you see for the public now that show up on apps.

 

[RedLightning86]

That charger looks like it was made in the back of RadioShack. Idk about Ford, but Chevy usually has nice 3rd party chargers, here in Wisconsin. And up to 45 kw at that. I’m hopeful that Ford will catch-up soon and add more stops closer to camping spots

 

[The Weatherman]

Those chargers are a part of the requirements to be an e-dealer with Ford. There will eventually be DCFC at those dealers that continue to be e-dealers. But the number of dealerships that have currently elected that option is just 50%.

Source:
https://stocks.apple.com/AENDa-F6jTa67kiz5YwvWiQ

 

[tls]

That charger looks like it was made in the back of RadioShack. Idk about Ford, but Chevy usually has nice 3rd party chargers, here in Wisconsin. And up to 45 kw at that. I’m hopeful that Ford will catch-up soon and add more stops closer to camping spots

That's a Wattzilla - the only two-handle 80A charger on the market. Unfortunately, it costs more like 3X what any of the few single-handle 80A options cost. On the other hand, it's basically indestructible...

 

[Jseis]

Yes, I’ve come across “hidden charging stations” (and all were L2s) by careful scrutiny of an area using ABRP, ChargePoint, PlugShare, Blink, etc. Usually associated with a hotel and frequently free to guests (or someone who behaves like a guest ). Two are in Great Falls and saved my ass twice. One was at a Community Bank near my hotel. An L2 in Leavenworth WA was run by the local PUD. Cambell’s Resort in Lake Chelan had a well used but stout L2. Skamania lodge has a row of them. With NACS access coming up, most of my I-90 travel is solved. I still use EA sites and their operability improved over 2022. Our ER Lariat gives us a lot more choices than the SR Mach E.

 

[bronco->lightning]

I suppose installing your own Watzilla is faster (and cheaper!) than going thru Ford’s EV certified dealer process. The Watzilla was experiencing a ground fault, so it was off to the next town’s Ford dealership with a single Ford Pro charger. Another location reportedly had more chargers but the gates were closed on Christmas Day.

My takeaway is to keep Ford/Buick/Lincoln dealerships on the radar, despite what EV route planners show.

 

[bronco->lightning]

That's a Wattzilla - the only two-handle 80A charger on the market. Unfortunately, it costs more like 3X what any of the few single-handle 80A options cost. On the other hand, it's basically indestructible...

It sure seemed sturdy, but two charging attempts made it just 10 minutes before ending with a ground fault charging error. And the third ended with a kid in a Tesla who unplugged my truck

 

[bronco->lightning]

That charger looks like it was made in the back of RadioShack. Idk about Ford, but Chevy usually has nice 3rd party chargers, here in Wisconsin. And up to 45 kw at that. I’m hopeful that Ford will catch-up soon and add more stops closer to camping spots

Finding “hidden” chargers at all these rural Ford dealerships was a revelation. But the same could be true beyond Ford…and as you pointed out, maybe better. I guess I felt most comfortable begging for power within the tribe - but I’ll start checking out the competition’s hidden chargers that haven’t yet landed on the map.

 

[bronco->lightning]

Yes, I’ve come across “hidden charging stations” (and all were L2s) by careful scrutiny of an area using ABRP, ChargePoint, PlugShare, Blink, etc…

…I still use EA sites and their operability improved over 2022. Our ER Lariat gives us a lot more choices than the SR Mach E.

Over Thanksgiving I ran up to the closest medium-sized town’s only EA site and it was disappointing. Half the chargers didn't work and a line had formed for the other half. So I’ve been looking for alternatives, at least in this particular area. Closer to Dallas, my experience has been better (especially with plenty of nearby alternatives if one location doesn’t work out).

It was just odd to me that all these Ford dealers actually had a charging option that didn’t show up on user-populated apps like PlugShare!

 

[Jseis]

It was just odd to me that all these Ford dealers actually had a charging option that didn’t show up on user-populated apps like PlugShare!

ABRP picked up the Ford dealer L2 across the creek in Oregon on the map. Wasn’t on their map a year ago. So maybe they’re getting current in a very competitive marketplace?

 

[ctuan13]

That charger looks like it was made in the back of RadioShack. Idk about Ford, but Chevy usually has nice 3rd party chargers, here in Wisconsin. And up to 45 kw at that. I’m hopeful that Ford will catch-up soon and add more stops closer to camping spots

Hey now, RadioShack was one of my favorite stores as a kid!

 

[Ekiehn]

You should try the Charge Assist App... it shows many many more level 2 chargers including chargers at Ford and other dealers... yes you have to be stopped to see the list... but they show up, even though my Ford dealer waz bought and changed their name years ago and it lists the old name... the app really does work except for the having to be stopped!

 

[bronco->lightning]

You should try the Charge Assist App... it shows many many more level 2 chargers including chargers at Ford and other dealers... yes you have to be stopped to see the list... but they show up, even though my Ford dealer waz bought and changed their name years ago and it lists the old name... the app really does work except for the having to be stopped!

Will give it another shot. The only time I used Charge Assist, I was directed to a company use only charger behind a Sam’s Club

 

[Nomoregas]

Are there more Ford dealerships with Level 2 chargers than we think?

I’ve had my Lightning for almost two months, and I’m loving it. But it’s my first EV so I’m re-learning the logistics of local travel. The round trip to the in-laws for Thanksgiving and Christmas is just slightly outside the range of the ER, and East Texas isn’t the easiest place to find a charger. But it seems like all the small-town Ford dealers have at least one charger installed. Three of the four we’ve found (including the county seat) don’t show up on any list of charging stations: Ford Nav, Charge Assist, ABRP, PlugShare, etc.

Anyone else seeing this, or is this a local phenomenon?

those look ridden hard and put to bed wet!