Unlocking Access: How Ford Is Expanding Charging Options for Electric Vehicle Owners
I'll never forget the day, almost four years ago, when I was on stage with Bill Ford revealing the electric F-150® Lightning® to the world. As a fifth-generation Ford employee, I couldn't have been prouder to represent the team.
Working on electric vehicles for the first time in my career has been amazing. What's been especially cool is hearing directly from our customers and then bringing improvements to life.
Take the Flash series, for example. That was a new series introduced for 2024 that featured customers’ favorite technologies paired with the extended range battery for under $70,000 — a direct response to requests for a value driven, tech-focused version with more range.
For 2025, we're introducing the "Dark Elements" appearance package, available on our Platinum series. It's a great option to make a statement, with 22-inch black painted wheels, black Ford ovals and badging, and a sleek black interior.
The Dark Elements package is pictured above in the new Space White paint option, because our customers love their white trucks. In fact, white is one of the most purchased F-150 Lightning colors, with over a quarter of owners to date selecting a shade of white.
We are also advancing our hands-free driving experience with BlueCruise 1.41. Customers with BlueCruise-equipped vehicles will have a smoother, more natural hands-free highway driving experience. This includes smoothly adjusting the vehicle’s speed in curves and greater in-lane stability. We’re providing more convenient options for how customers can access BlueCruise too, with a one-year plan (included standard or optional)2,and a one-time purchase that can be selected at the dealer for those that don't want to worry about a subscription. We will continue to offer the 90-day complimentary trial for those who want to wait to activate annually or monthly.
Charging remains a hot topic, and we've made updates on that, too. We’ve improved the maximum DC fast charging current from 450 amps to 500 amps, which can result in improved charging time in certain situations. We’ve also added flexibility in how owners can charge their vehicles. Customers can now:
- Access real-time charging information in-vehicle, such as current charging speed.
- Set a universal charge limit for all locations instead of only for an individual charger.
- Schedule preferred charge times at specific locations.
While we know that home charging is the secret sauce to an overall great electric vehicle ownership experience, we also understand how important access to charging is if you're on the road.
So, when Lightning owners (all model years) are using Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay and plan a trip with a required charge stop, they will now be routed to a North American Charging Standard (NACS) fast charging station, such as a compatible Tesla Supercharger along the way, where they can use their NACS adapter to get the additional charge they need.
It is these small-yet-mighty updates that help make our customers’ lives easier, and that’s what Ford is all about. Here’s the summary:
- A new "Dark Elements" appearance package offered on the Platinum series
- Improved hands-free highway driving with BlueCruise 1.4
- Improved charging experience with more functionality
- NACS fast charging stations integrated in Apple CarPlay
Head over to Ford.com now to build your version of the No. 1 best-selling electric pickup truck in America today. How are you going to spec yours? Personally, I’m going with a Rapid Red Lariat with 9.6kW Pro Power Onboard and the max trailer tow package.
Megan Gegesky is a program management supervisor at Ford.
Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
1Available feature on select vehicles. BlueCruise requires an active plan or trial — see ford.com/bluecruise for details. Terms apply. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment or need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
2BlueCruise service will be active for a minimum 7 years (non-transferrable to another VIN). No additional subscription purchase will be required to maintain BlueCruise service beyond the 7 years if the service is available.
