This will be my last attempt at a Lightning Road Trip

[carys98]

Cool...I'm curious. How did you get the picture on the right? I haven't seen that on my Android Auto Google Map or my FordPass app. It looks almost like my FordPass app, but mine doesn't show the Google Map picture, just a dark background with gray lines for roads.

It’s just the FordPass Public Charging map on iPhone. The left side is PlugShare with NACS and CCS connectors selected and filtered for >20kW to filter out the Tesla destination chargers.

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[RailroaderJ]

A 200 mile plus road trip Alexander AR to MEM requires a stop both directions but the logistics isn't bad. I imagine some parts of Texas would anger you.

 

[Rip]

It’s just the FordPass Public Charging map on iPhone. The left side is PlugShare with NACS and CCS connectors selected and filtered for >20kW to filter out the Tesla destination chargers.

So is that the difference? You get a google map with an iphone but not with android?

 

[Firn]

My point is that (a) planning doesn't help when the apps give you incorrect information (e.g., which chargers are compatible), and (b) you shouldn't have to spend so much time planning. I love the Lightning, and would not go back to another Tesla, but the tech in the Ford is just not mature yet. While Tesla's quality and customer service suck, they had developed their tech to a higher degree, which made road trips easier. You just plugged in your destination, and it gave you chargers at reasonable intervals. If you wanted to change a software-selected charger, you just pushed a button and all the chargers within 100 miles or so would come up, and you could select a different one. I don't know whether Ford engineers are working on it or not...I do see updates occasionally, but they seem to be minor.

The range that the algorithm assumes is just too short, and I don't know if there is a way to extend it. If you look down the road past the Google recommendations, I have almost always found a charger that is further down the road. It's not really an easy task, because both the FordPass and Tesla apps give you very little map detail. No road names or numbers, just roads lines in darkish gray against a black background. I looked on Google maps to find a town or rest area 40-50 miles further along than the Google recommendation, then searched that town in the FordPass App. Usually, selecting that one gets you there wigh 15-25% left

I think you are getting in your own way here.

You want a simple solution, but when given one you second guess it and plan your own. But then are frustrated with how much planning it takes. But also then run into issues that everything is very difficult.

The solution Google provided might just have been the way it was so that you would not run into issues.

 

[Rip]

FordPass, Energy, Public Charging.

Yeah...I don't get that with my FordPass app. Mine is just gray lines on a black background. I do get the chargers showing up like that, but no Google map.

 

[RickLightning]

Yeah...I don't get that with my FordPass app. Mine is just gray lines on a black background. I do get the chargers showing up like that, but no Google map.

Then you're likely not in the PUBLIC CHARGING section.

Click on ENERGY at the bottom.
Under the word: Charge, click on Public Charging.

 

[Rip]

I think you are getting in your own way here.

You want a simple solution, but when given one you second guess it and plan your own. But then are frustrated with how much planning it takes. But also then run into issues that everything is very difficult.

The solution Google provided might just have been the way it was so that you would not run into issues.

I do want an integrated solution (sorry if Tesla tech spoiled me), but I don't want one that underestimates my range, and makes me stop for 20 minutes every hour and a half, which is what I currently have. I know for a fact that in most cases, there are chargers further up the road that I could easily reach, but the Google Maps app doesn't give me those.
I have to say, I've learned a lot in this forum, though, and might be better prepared next time. If I can get my FordPass app working like carys98's looks, that would help. I just learned about ABRP and BLE OBD dongles...I'm going to try to learn more about that, and try it out.

 

[Firn]

Then you're likely not in the PUBLIC CHARGING section.

Click on ENERGY at the bottom.
Under the word: Charge, click on Public Charging.

Nope, mine is black with gray roads too

 

[RickLightning]

Interesting.

Android, 5.12.0.

 

[PJnc284]

That's if you have dark mode enabled

 

[Firn]

I do want an integrated solution (sorry if Tesla tech spoiled me), but I don't want one that underestimates my range, and makes me stop for 20 minutes every hour and a half, which is what I currently have. I know for a fact that in most cases, there are chargers further up the road that I could easily reach, but the Google Maps app doesn't give me those.
I have to say, I've learned a lot in this forum, though, and might be better prepared next time. If I can get my FordPass app working like carys98's looks, that would help. I just learned about ABRP and BLE OBD dongles...I'm going to try to learn more about that, and try it out.

Running ABRP for most planning i find my Pro ER runs around an hour thirty to an hour fifty, maybe touching two hours, to then have a 35 to 40 minute charge. Anything that pushes towards longer times on the road also kicked it into charging over 80% and slowed the whole trip down.

My routes have had less access to charger so your area should let you go closer to the 10% to 80% bracket. I guess just looking at the numbers running a 70% DOD should give about two and a half hours at 75mph but that hasn't been what my routes have had.

 

[LazyLightningATX]

A 200 mile plus road trip Alexander AR to MEM requires a stop both directions but the logistics isn't bad. I imagine some parts of Texas would anger you.

Drove my lightning all last fall to Friday night football games in those parts of Texas!

 

[Rip]

Then you're likely not in the PUBLIC CHARGING section.

Click on ENERGY at the bottom.
Under the word: Charge, click on Public Charging.

Exactly what I am doing... I go to the charging symbol at the bottom, click on public charging, and get the black background with gray, unlabeled lines. I'll try to get a usable screen shot and post it.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

Sounds like you've been lucky. Maybe as I get more experience, I'll get better at juggling all the apps and stuff. I have found the Lightning to be a great vehicle, but definitely more difficult to navigate on this recent trip than my Model Y ever was. I have regularly taken a 400-mile trip to Boston from Maine without any trouble (because I know this route and where all the best charging stops are). However, I had a LOT of trouble on this recent trip to Florida from Maine.

It’s not luck, it’s an adjustment to EVs. I’ve been driving them for over a decade now and I go significant distances. It’s become second nature to me - I actually bug out when I have a gas rental.

If you have a Y the Tesla integration helps. Pick up ABRP for now, it’ll simulate what Tesla gives you for routing and charging and you won’t miss a beat especially with OBD live readings.

Maine to Florida is a different beast and takes some knowing. For example, do NOT plan to stop in SC. I top off in NC and always plan to drive through SC. The earliest I’ll stop again is GA, but I’ll push to the FPL chargers in Jax. Knowing the route definitely helps in that case.

Good luck! We’re willing to help on here if you need

 

[RailroaderJ]

Google maps has been pretty solid. Even when it's 30 degrees it's adjusts the range %. I love the truck and hope they continue making them.

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