How do I pay for public charging on a Ford?
Most Ford owners pay for public charging through the FordPass Charging Network (via the FordPass app) or by using a charger network’s app or card. Payment methods vary by country and network, so you may also pay at the charger with an RFID card or a linked payment method. This guide explains how it works and what to expect.
What you need to know about Ford’s charging payments
Ford’s public charging ecosystem centers on the BlueOval Charge Network and the FordPass app, which ties charging sessions to a linked payment method. In parallel, many charging networks operate their own apps, RFID cards, or pay-at-pump options. The exact method you use depends on your location, the network you choose, and whether you want to pay through Ford’s system or directly with a third-party network.
FordPass and the BlueOval Charge Network: how to pay
To pay using Ford’s integrated system, you typically use the FordPass app (and the Wallet feature) with a payment method attached to your account. The car’s navigation can also show participating stations and allow you to start charging from the vehicle UI or the app.
To get started, ensure FordPass is installed on your phone and that you’ve linked a payment method to Your FordPass Wallet or your Ford account. Then, when you’re at a compatible charger, you can initiate and pay for charging sessions through FordPass.
- Open the FordPass app and navigate to the Charging section.
- Select a BlueOval Charge Network station or a compatible charger shown in the app or the vehicle’s display.
- Choose a charging speed or session type (if applicable) and start the session.
- Confirm payment method linked to FordPass Wallet or your Ford account.
- Monitor the session in the app and stop charging when you’re ready.
After the session ends, the charge is billed to the payment method you linked in FordPass, and you can review receipts and usage in the app.
Other ways to pay for public charging
If you prefer not to use FordPass, you can often pay through the charging network itself or by using its network-specific tools. This section outlines common alternatives you’ll encounter across networks and regions.
- Network mobile apps: Many networks (such as ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, etc.) let you locate stations, start/stop charging, and pay directly in their app. Linking a payment method there is usually required.
- RFID cards: Some networks issue RFID cards that you tap at a charger to begin a session and be billed to the card’s associated account.
- Pay-at-pump or on-site prompts: A few chargers offer on-site payment via credit/debit card or a network-provided payment interface, sometimes without needing a separate app.
- In-car support (regional): In certain regions, the in-car systems can initiate charging sessions through compatible networks, with billing handled by the linked network account.
Be aware that access and pricing can vary by country and by network. Some networks require a sign-up or membership to access preferred pricing or higher-speed options.
Pricing, regions and practical tips
Public charging prices depend on the network, charger type (DC fast vs. AC), location, and any membership discounts. In the United States, Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network is designed to offer broad access and centralized billing via FordPass, but many travelers still mix FordPass with third-party networks for on-the-go flexibility. In Europe and other regions, charging options are shaped by local networks and regional partnerships. Always check the price per kWh or per minute at the charger before you start, if the information is displayed.
Step-by-step quick guide for paying with Ford (FordPass) and alternatives
Use these pathways to manage payments depending on what’s most convenient for you and what networks you use.
- Decide whether you’ll use FordPass (BlueOval Charge Network) or a third-party network app/card.
- For FordPass: ensure FordPass is installed, your account is active, and a payment method is linked in FordPass Wallet or your Ford profile.
- Find a compatible station in FordPass or the vehicle’s navigation, then start the session from the app or the car’s display.
- If using a third-party network: open that network’s app, or present the RFID card at the charger, and select the station you want to use.
- Verify pricing and session details in the app or charger screen, and monitor charging until you’re finished.
After charging, review the transaction in the relevant app or your FordPass activity feed to confirm the charges. If you encounter issues, contact the network’s support or Ford customer support for assistance.
Summary
Paying for public charging on a Ford is designed to be flexible: use FordPass with the BlueOval Charge Network for integrated billing, or rely on individual networks via their apps or RFID cards. Regional differences mean you may mix methods depending on where you are and which networks you engage. Setting up a trusted payment method in FordPass and familiarizing yourself with the networks you use will make charging sessions smoother and pricing easier to track.
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 charge Ford Lightning at a public charging station?
No smartphone or credit cards are required at an in network charger. Now you know how to quickly find public charging options on the go. For more information or assistance on public charging.
How do you pay at a public car charging station?
We accept payments from contactless bank cards, as well as contactless mobile payments such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Not available on 7kW charging points.
How do you pay for public EV charging stations?
To start the charging session, you'll need to provide some way to authenticate yourself to the charger to arrange payment. This is usually done with a keycard, fob, or a dedicated smartphone app, while some stations allow you to pay directly by debit or credit card.
