Ford Pro is expanding its electrification ecosystem with a new home charging solution aimed at small and medium-sized businesses without a central depot.
Designed for small operators, as well as owner-drivers, the new connected Ford Pro Home Charger allows drivers to recharge their vans at home with built-in connectivity to Ford Pro Telematics simplifying the reimbursement for home charging.
The new package includes consultation, installation, maintenance and a five-year warranty and forms part of Ford Pro’s wider platform which not only includes vehicles, but also charging, software, servicing and finance.
The aim is to reduce both the cost and complexity of operating electric vans as a small fleet. The integrated Ford Pro charging software enables users to schedule charging during off-peak tariffs, helping to lower energy bills, while built-in connectivity with Ford Pro Telematics simplifies the process of claiming for home charging, something which is often cited as a key barrier for fleets with drivers taking vehicles home overnight.
Ford says the system is equally suited to larger fleets with decentralised operations, allowing businesses to track energy usage across multiple vehicles and reimburse drivers using a set rate per kWh.
Fleet managers can also monitor charging status, vehicle health and state of charge remotely. Features like remote pre-conditioning also help optimise range by warming or cooling the battery and cab while plugged in.
Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, said: “This smart new home charging solution designed around business needs strengthens our products and services ecosystem, helping reduce paperwork and costs while supporting customers’ electrification journey.”
Ford Pro is also bundling in access to its BlueOval Charge Network, which gives customers the ability to charge at more than 600,000 public charge points across Europe. It also includes centralised billing designed to reduce administrative burden for operators.
The service is being introduced in the UK alongside offers on the new Ford E-Transit Custom and is expected to expand into other European markets.
