Public charger help

[Hunter]

I recently got a 22' Lightning and am loving it, but haven't been on a road trip yet and have only used my home charger. I am planning an upcoming trip to the inlaws and was wondering about using public chargers. And before we start, I got it "used" from the dealer, so I didn't get the free BlueOval miles.

When I plot my course, there are 2 super chargers (at a Walmart and at a Sam's Club) that my Lightning recommends stopping at. How exactly does that work? Do I just pull up, plug in, and put in a credit card? Do I need to sign up for anything ahead of time? Do I need to set up a Blue Oval account? Or is there something better out there I should sign up for?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

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[Pioneer74]

I wouldn't use the Blue Oval Network of you don't have any free charging. I would sign up for the company's charge network that you plan on using.

 

[Hunter]

I wouldn't use the Blue Oval Network of you don't have any free charging. I would sign up for the company's charge network that you plan on using.

That's what I'm trying to find out. I literally don't know anything about any companies and I can't find much when I try to google. Is there somewhere to find different companies and compare them? Or is there one you recommend? Do I need to sign up with multiple companies? And what's wrong with Blue Oval, is it more expensive?
I just need some guidance before I get on the road. I'm worried I'll pull up to a charger and not be able to use it because I'm not signed up at the right place, or be overcharged because I didn't sign up.

 

[Maquis]

Those are probably Electrify America stations. If you sign up for their Pass+ membership for $4 per month (cancel anytime) you’ll get a discounted rate. Membership pays for itself in a couple charges. Use the EA app and turn off Plug & Charge in FordPass.

 

[Maquis]

That's what I'm trying to find out. I literally don't know anything about any companies and I can't find much when I try to google. Is there somewhere to find different companies and compare them? Or is there one you recommend? Do I need to sign up with multiple companies? And what's wrong with Blue Oval, is it more expensive?
I just need some guidance before I get on the road. I'm worried I'll pull up to a charger and not be able to use it because I'm not signed up at the right place, or be overcharged because I didn't sign up.

Download the PlugShare app. It wI’ll give all the relevant info about any public charging stations.
With EA, you can’t get the Pass+ rate if you use BlueOval. See my previous post.

 

[MacMike]

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/ev-charging-stations

 

[jcm3]

What would I do? I'd download the app "A Better Route Planner" [ABRP] and use it to route a couple of trips from my house. Both battery sizes for the Lightning are listed and the app has a very good (but not perfect) database of charging stops. I'd see what chargers it recommends, and then sign up for an account with those vendors.

I've included a screen grab from the web version of the app so you could have a look.

 

[Hunter]

Those are probably Electrify America stations. If you sign up for their Pass+ membership for $4 per month (cancel anytime) you’ll get a discounted rate. Membership pays for itself in a couple charges. Use the EA app and turn off Plug & Charge in FordPass.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed!

 

[metroshot]

Use each charging network's own app for your area.

Where I live it's a heavy EVGo charger area while Shell ReCharge, Electrify America & ChargePoints are sparse.

So I keep 4 apps on my phone with a credit tied to each app.

The only advantage I have is I am enrolled in EVGo's AutoCharge+ which makes it a true plug and charge experience.

Just yesterday charged super quick at 170kW rate on a 350kW EVGo station.

 

[RickLightning]

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed!

ABRP is a great tool, but you need to look up EVERY location on PlugShare BEFORE planning your trip, and READ the comments to see how reliable it is. Then, on the day of the trip, look up each location BEFORE leaving the prior one, and have an alternate plan if a location is unavailable.

 

[rdr854]

I’ve signed up for multiple charge companies so that I am covered for what ever I find. I have accounts with Electrify America, EV Go, Volta and Charge Point.

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