Ford Pro and Xcel Energy recently announced a collaborative deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in the utility’s service territories across the U.S. by 2030, with most upfront costs offset by Xcel for qualifying fleet customers.
The 30×30 initiative is part of Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program, which was created to accelerate EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for fleets. Through the program, most upfront costs for EV charging equipment and installation for businesses will be offset by Xcel Energy, while Ford Pro will offer its suite of end-to-end charging solutions to Xcel Energy business customers as part of the effort.
“We know that making the transition to electric vehicles can be complex for businesses – we see it every day at Ford Pro,” said Dave Prusinski, general manager of integrated services at Ford Pro, during a recent teleconference announcing the program. “It’s a well-known fact that the cost of installing an EV charger can sometimes cost more than the chargers themselves. But we know that charging infrastructure is a crucial bridge to the future.”
Starting in 2024, the 30×30 program will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin, and it will seek opportunities for expansion in Xcel Energy’s other service territories during the next six years, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.
“We know that electric vehicles are the next chapter in the energy transition,” said Amanda Rome, executive vice president, group president, utilities and chief customer officer at Xcel Energy, during the call. “Under this program, qualified Xcel Energy business customers will have the upfront costs of EV charging infrastructure and installation offset by Xcel Energy’s program. In fact, Xcel Energy will cover most costs relating to charging infrastructure installation and maintenance services for fleet customers.”
The 30×30 collaboration will allow the two companies to streamline the process for businesses to acquire EV charging and support. If a fleet is approved for the program, Xcel Energy will install the charging infrastructure for business customers that 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 then provide the charging equipment and post-installation customer service and support.
Business fleets can also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, an integrated software and hardware solution that helps increase uptime and potentially lower operational costs by allowing businesses to access data from both vehicles and chargers.
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.
“We are thrilled to partner with Ford Pro and really start to scale EV adoption, and we look forward to continuing to support the EV transition by providing our customers with affordable charging solutions at home and at work,” added Rome.
