How do I activate plug and charge Ford?
Plug and Charge is Ford’s ISO 15118-based feature that lets your Ford EV automatically authenticate with compatible charging stations when you plug in, without needing a separate RFID card or app tap. To use it, keep your vehicle software up to date, ensure your FordPass account is linked, and enable Plug and Charge in the car or the FordPass app when available. If a charger or network isn’t compatible, you’ll fall back to traditional methods.
This article explains how to activate Plug and Charge on Ford vehicles, what you need to check (software, VIN linkage, and network compatibility), and how to use it at the charger or through Ford’s app. It also covers where the feature is available, what to expect during a session, and common issues you may encounter.
What Plug and Charge means for Ford drivers
Plug and Charge uses a secure digital handshake to automatically authenticate you and authorize billing when you connect a compatible charger. For Ford owners, this can simplify charging by removing the need to present cards or tap an app, provided the vehicle, charger, and network all support the standard.
Compatibility and regional availability
Availability depends on model year, software version, regional rollout, and network support. Ford has been gradually rolling out Plug and Charge to eligible vehicles and markets, with broader adoption continuing over time. If you have a compatible model and software, sessions should start automatically at ISO 15118-enabled stations; otherwise you’ll use FordPass or traditional charging methods.
How to activate in the car
Below are the steps you can take inside the vehicle to enable Plug and Charge, if the option is exposed in your configuration.
- Ensure your vehicle software is up to date via over-the-air (OTA) updates. This is essential because Plug and Charge relies on current system capabilities.
- Verify your VIN is registered and linked to your FordPass account (and that the vehicle appears correctly in your account).
- In the vehicle’s charging settings, look for Plug and Charge or ISO 15118 and enable it, if the option exists for your model and region.
- Confirm your preferred payment method or charging account is set in FordPass or through the vehicle’s charging network settings, so billing has a default path.
- When you arrive at a compatible charger, simply plug in and monitor the dashboard or instrument cluster for the charging session to begin automatically without additional authentication.
Enabling Plug and Charge in the car prepares the system for automatic authentication, but the actual session start depends on the charging station’s compatibility and network support. If the option isn’t visible, your region, model, or software version may not yet support it.
How to activate via FordPass app
You can also enable or verify Plug and Charge settings through the FordPass app, which helps manage vehicle connections and charging preferences remotely.
- Open the FordPass app, select your vehicle, and go to the Charging settings section.
- Find Plug & Charge or ISO 15118 and toggle it on; make sure your VIN is associated with your Ford account.
- Ensure a payment method is linked if your charging network requires it for Plug and Charge billing, and confirm any network-specific prerequisites.
- Save changes and perform a test by plugging into a compatible charger to see if the session starts automatically.
If the app shows the option but it doesn’t work, verify that your vehicle software is current, the charger supports Plug & Charge, and your account and VIN are correctly linked. Some networks may require one-time permissions or certificates that your vehicle or app must receive.
What to expect at the charger
At compatible stations, the vehicle communicates with the charger automatically, starts the charging session, and bills to your linked account without action from you beyond plugging in. The exact display and prompts may vary by vehicle year and charger, but the general flow is seamless authentication followed by charging.
Session flow
Plug in → automatic handshake between car and charger → session authorization → charging begins → billing to your linked account. If the charger does not support Plug & Charge, you’ll be prompted to use the traditional method (RFID card or app-based start).
Limitations
Plug and Charge requires both the vehicle and the charging station to support ISO 15118. Availability varies by region, model year, and software version. If you encounter an incompatible charger, you’ll need to start the session using the standard method.
Troubleshooting and limitations
If Plug and Charge doesn’t start as expected, consider these checks and steps:
First, verify that you are attempting to use a Plug & Charge-capable charger and that your car and FordPass account are updated and linked. If issues persist, it may be due to regional rollout or a network limitation.
Privacy and security considerations
Plug and Charge leverages standardized digital certificates and secure authentication between your vehicle and the charging station. Ford advises keeping your vehicle software current and ensuring your FordPass account information remains up to date. As with any connected service, review network terms and privacy notices for data usage and billing details.
Summary
Ford’s Plug and Charge feature aims to simplify electric-vehicle charging by letting compatible vehicles authenticate automatically at ISO 15118-enabled stations. To activate it, update your vehicle software, link your VIN to FordPass, and enable Plug and Charge in the car or the app where available. Availability varies by region, model year, and network support, so if you don’t see the option or experience issues, check for software updates, confirm charger compatibility, and consult Ford’s official support resources.
Why is my FordPass not activating?
If the FordPass modem won't activate, verify cellular signal strength and ensure the vehicle's telematics module is powered. Check for software updates via the dealer or FordPass app. Reset the modem by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes, then reconnect.
How do I activate free charging on my Ford?
Open the Ford app. Navigate to the Vehicle screen. Select Connected services. Locate BlueOval Charge Network and tap Activate Now.
How to activate Ford connectivity?
Wait if few seconds. And you'll see a message on your Ford sync. Screen step five confirm the connection in sync.
How to turn on plug and charge Ford?
Turning Plug & Charge On or Off
- Open the Ford app.
- Tap Energy.
- Select Charge payment and access.
- Toggle Plug & Charge on or off.
