Business Fleets Get Charging Support from Ford Pro and Xcel Energy

Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, a national provider of clean energy, announced a collaboration to support the deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories across the U.S. by 2030.

Through the program, most upfront costs for EV charging equipment and installation for businesses will be offset by Xcel Energy. Ford Pro will offer its suite of end-to-end charging solutions to Xcel Energy business customers as part of the effort. 

Called 30x30, Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are launching the initiative within Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program to scale EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for business fleets across Xcel Energy’s service areas in the U.S.

“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” said Amanda Rome, executive vice president, group president, utilities & chief customer officer at Xcel Energy. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging, and software solutions. Xcel Energy is a trusted advisor in transportation electrification, providing clean energy, infrastructure, and innovative solutions for customers’ homes, businesses, and EVs. Together, we are committed to making a real impact on the future of electrification in America.”

What is the 30x30 Initiative & How Does it Work?

Starting in 2024, 30x30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin. The program will seek opportunities for expansion in future states within Xcel Energy’s service territories over the next six years, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.

This 30,000 unit metric represents the final goal across the nation by 2030, not the number of stations that will be included in the first two states the program is launching in.

“We know electrification can be complex for businesses,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “We’re focused on helping them make that transition at the right time in the right way that’s best for their business. We know that may require new ways of working to encourage and support adoption. We’re honored to work with Xcel Energy — together, we’re creating a new model to help eliminate barriers for businesses in their electrification journey.”

The 30x30 collaboration is an approach between a vehicle manufacturer and utility provider that teamed up to help provide EV charging solutions to business fleets. Together, the companies will streamline the process for businesses to acquire EV charging and support.

Subject to applicable program requirements, Xcel Energy will install the charging infrastructure for business customers who qualify for and enroll in an approved EVSI program in the customer’s service location, with most upfront costs offset by Xcel Energy. 

Ford Pro will provide Ford Pro Charging equipment and customer service and support post-installation.

Business fleets can also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, which offers smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics. The integrated software and hardware solutions help increase uptime and potentially lower operational costs by allowing businesses to access vehicle and charger data.

Benefits for Business, the Electric Grid, and the Future

Ford Pro is committed to helping customers simplify their transition to zero tailpipe emissions with a growing lineup of Ford work-ready EVs—including the F-150 Lightning Pro pickup and E-Transit van—and Ford Pro Charging hardware with available 48- and 80-amp chargers to enable overnight charging with Level 2 AC charging, plus Ford Pro Charging software for home, public, and depot chargers.

Ford Pro also offers extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW.

Ford Pro and Xcel Energy also intend to analyze telematics data from vehicles participating in the initiative to promote commercial charging during off-peak times, helping reduce electric grid emissions, and potentially saving customers money.

This new approach provides energy and utility companies a template for future collaboration, helping them meet businesses' EV charging infrastructure needs in their service areas.