by Scott McClallen
Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Co., and Xcel Energy, a clean energy company, will deploy 30,000 electric vehicle charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories nationwide by 2030.
Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are launching the 30×30 initiative within Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure program to scale EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure.
The infrastructure aims to reduce upfront costs for EV charging equipment and installation for businesses will be offset by Xcel Energy.
“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” Amanda Rome, Xcel Energy executive vice president group president of utilities and chief customer officer at Xcel Energy said in a statement. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging and software solutions. And Xcel Energy is a trusted advisor in transportation electrification, providing 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.”
The plan follows automakers hitting the brakes on EVs as 4,000 auto dealers signed a letter asking President Joe Biden to stop mandating the EV transition as EVs are “stacking up” on lots.
At the same time, EV drivers encounter “range anxiety” on Midwest road trips.
Both above reasons, along with a higher upfront cost than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, are reasons why Michigan has fallen more than 1.9 million EVs short of reaching its climate goal of 2 million EVs driving on Michigan roads by 2030. To reach its EV goal, Michigan must register 23,400 EVs every month for seven years.
Michigan has 34,380 EVs registered statewide.
Starting in 2024, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin. The program will seek expansion over the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.
“We know electrification can be complex for businesses,” Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis said in a statement. “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 30×30 collaboration aims to provide EV charging solutions to business fleets. 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 post-installation customer service and support.
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Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi. In 2021, he published a book on technology and privacy. He co-hosts the weekly Michigan in Focus podcast.
Photo “Ford Ford Mustang Mach-E GT & Mach-E GT” by Automotive Rhythms. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Ford is going into direct competition with privately owned gas stations. This is something that a socialist (Biden’s) government would do but Ford? I am a Ford person but this may end that.