How does a Ford Smart Charge work?
The Ford Smart Charge is a feature that allows Ford electric vehicle owners to optimize their vehicle's charging schedule and save money on electricity costs. By connecting the vehicle to a home's electrical system and integrating with a compatible smart home platform, the Ford Smart Charge can automatically adjust charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
Understanding the Ford Smart Charge
The Ford Smart Charge is a feature that is available on select Ford electric vehicles, including the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. The system works by connecting the vehicle to the home's electrical system and integrating with a compatible smart home platform, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Once connected, the Ford Smart Charge can monitor the home's electricity rates and adjust the vehicle's charging schedule accordingly. This allows the vehicle to charge during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower, saving the owner money on their energy bills.
How the Ford Smart Charge Works
- The vehicle is connected to the home's electrical system, typically through a Level 2 charging station.
- The Ford Smart Charge system integrates with a compatible smart home platform, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
- The system monitors the home's electricity rates and adjusts the vehicle's charging schedule to take advantage of off-peak hours, when rates are lower.
- The vehicle can be programmed to charge during specific times of day or to charge based on the current electricity rates.
- The system can also be used to schedule charging sessions remotely, allowing the owner to start or stop charging from their smartphone or other connected device.
By optimizing the vehicle's charging schedule, the Ford Smart Charge can help owners save money on their energy bills and reduce their environmental impact by charging during off-peak hours when the grid is less strained.
How does smart charge work?
With Smart charging, you don't need to worry about unplugging your device to keep it from staying charged to 100% for longer periods of time—Smart charging handles charging for you. If your device has Smart charging turned on, the battery level will be set to a lower level that's better for the battery overall.
How do I test my smart charge alternator?
Smart Alternator Test
- Locate your vehicle's battery.
- Ensure all lights, fans and radios are switched off and start your engine.
- Take a voltage reading using a voltmeter and note the result.
- Leave the engine running for 5 to 10 minutes and then take a second voltage reading of the battery.
Can you overcharge a car battery with a smart charger?
Smart chargers will pop themselves into maintenance mode to avoid overcharging your battery, however traditional chargers aren't capable of this.
What are the pros and cons of smart alternator?
The advantage of a smart alternator is that they reduce the load on the engine. The less voltage that's produced, the less strain on the engine. This improves fuel economy and can extend the life of your alternator. The downside is that smart alternators are specifically designed to recharge your starter batteries.
How does FordPass charging work?
About the BlueOval™ Charge Network
Conveniently use the FordPass® app* or the Public Charging app from your vehicle touchscreen to find and pay for charging anywhere in the network. Plus, you can also access Tesla Superchargers using an adapter.
How does an alternator know when to stop charging?
When voltage drops below 13.5 volts, the regulator will apply current to the field and the alternator will start charging. When the voltage exceeds 14.5 volts, the regulator will stop supplying voltage to the field and the alternator will stop charging. This is how voltage output from the alternator is regulated.
How do smart alternators work?
A smart alternator, also referred to as a variable voltage or ECU controlled charging system, runs at a lower voltage to a traditional alternator and then increases the voltage dramatically when the driver lifts off, this high voltage (around 17VDC) quickly charges the battery.
Do you have to pay to charge a smart car?
You have to pay to charge your electric car at most charging stations. Owners typically charge electric vehicles at home, where energy costs less than “filling up” at commercial charging stations. Free charging stations are available at some shopping centers, providing slower Level 2 chargers to customers.
How long does a smart charger take to charge a car battery?
It takes between 6-24 hours, but normally about 10 hoursto charge a battery to full.
How does the Ford Smart charging system work?
The theory behind smart charge, is a battery will take a charges at its most efficient when it's cold. Following start up, the PCM checks the Engine coolant temp, and intake air temp, and calculates a cold engine. It will then boost the battery charge, pulling it back as it calculates the under bonnet temp coming up.
