Is the Ford charge station Pro AC or DC?
The Ford Charge Station Pro is an AC Level 2 home charger, not a DC fast charger.
What the Ford Charge Station Pro is
To help readers understand how this device fits into the broader charging ecosystem, here is a concise breakdown of its core characteristics and how it differs from DC charging.
- Type and use: AC Level 2 home charger designed for residential installation and overnight charging.
- Maximum output: Up to 80 amps on a 240V circuit (about 19.2 kW), with actual charging power limited by the vehicle’s onboard charger and electrical service.
- Vehicle involvement: Sends AC to the car’s onboard charger, which converts it to DC for the battery.
- Not a DC fast charger: It does not supply DC directly to the battery, so charging times are slower than public DC fast charging stations.
- Typical compatibility: Primarily used with Ford electric vehicles (such as the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E) but can charge other EVs that accept the available AC input, within the limits of their onboard chargers.
The Charge Station Pro is intended for home use, with installation by a licensed electrician and adherence to local electrical codes. It represents Ford’s effort to provide faster home charging by allowing higher continuous output on compatible circuits, while still relying on the vehicle’s onboard systems to manage the actual battery charging process.
Why the distinction matters for buyers
Understanding that the Charge Station Pro is an AC charger helps set expectations for charging speed and infrastructure needs. Home AC charging is convenient and economical, but it won’t replace the speed of DC fast charging available at public networks. The real-world charge rate depends on both the charger’s capability and the vehicle’s onboard charging limit.
How it compares to DC charging networks
Readers should be aware of how home AC charging compares with on-road DC fast charging in terms of speed, infrastructure, and use cases. Here is a quick contrast to frame the context.
- Power delivery: AC Level 2 Chargers (like the Ford Charge Station Pro) supply alternating current to the car, which converts it to DC inside the battery. DC fast chargers bypass the car’s onboard charger and push DC directly into the battery for much higher power levels.
- Charging speed: DC fast charging typically provides rapid replenishment (often tens to hundreds of kilowatts), suitable for long trips. Level 2 AC charging at home generally ranges up to the charger’s max (e.g., 19.2 kW on the Charge Station Pro) but is limited by the vehicle’s onboard charger.
- Usage context: AC home charging is ideal for daily “arrive-and-charge” routines; DC fast charging is designed for quick top-ups during travel or when time is critical.
- Infrastructure requirements: DC charging requires access to public fast-charging networks and compatible connectors (e.g., CCS). Home AC charging requires a suitable residential electrical installation and a 240V circuit.
In practice, Ford owners can rely on the Charge Station Pro for regular, efficient home charging, while planning longer trips around available DC fast-charging networks for rapid top-ups if needed.
Summary
Bottom line: The Ford Charge Station Pro is an AC, Level 2 home charger designed to deliver up to 80 amps on a 240V circuit, enabling faster overnight charging for Ford electric vehicles. It is not a DC fast charger, which is typically used at public charging stations for rapid battery replenishment. For most daily driving needs, the Charge Station Pro provides a high-power, home-based solution, with the final charging speed still governed by the vehicle’s onboard charger and battery state of charge.
