What is a benefit of level 2 charging with the Ford Connected Charge Station?
The most notable advantage is faster charging at home, which can significantly reduce the time you spend plugged in compared with a basic level 1 setup.
Level 2 charging with the Ford Connected Charge Station uses a 240-volt circuit and higher amperage to deliver more power to your electric vehicle’s onboard charger. Ford’s station is designed to provide up to roughly 7.2–7.7 kW (commonly around 32 amps), though the exact rate depends on your vehicle’s acceptance and your home’s electrical capacity. It also integrates with FordPass for remote controls, monitoring, and scheduling, enhancing everyday usability.
What Level 2 charging adds to your routine
Below are the key benefits you gain from using Level 2 charging with the Ford Connected Charge Station:
- Faster recharge times than Level 1 charging, enabling a larger portion or complete replenishment of your daily driving range overnight.
- At‑home convenience, so you can plug in once and wake up with a charged battery rather than seeking public chargers.
- Remote monitoring and control via the FordPass app, including status updates, reminders, and the ability to start or stop charging remotely.
- Scheduling capabilities to align charging with off-peak electricity rates (where supported by your utility and app), potentially lowering energy costs.
- Seamless integration with existing Ford vehicles and features, offering a streamlined charging experience alongside other connected services.
These advantages translate into practical daily gains: you spend less time waiting for a charge, you can plan charging around your routine, and you gain visibility and control through the app ecosystem.
Practical considerations
To maximize the benefit, ensure you have a dedicated circuit and installation by a licensed electrician. Keep in mind that actual charging speed depends on your EV’s onboard charger, the capacity of your home electrical service, and the specific Ford Connected Charge Station configuration available in your market. A reliable Wi‑Fi connection helps the FordPass features work smoothly.
Notes on performance and compatibility
Level 2 charging generally delivers more power than Level 1 charging, which is limited to a standard 120V outlet. The Ford Connected Charge Station aims to deliver a robust overnight charging option for compatible Ford EVs and other plug‑in vehicles, enhancing daily practicality and overall ownership experience.
Summary
In short, the primary benefit of Level 2 charging with the Ford Connected Charge Station is substantially faster, at‑home charging that fits into your daily routine. With app-based monitoring, scheduling, and the potential to take advantage of off‑peak rates, it offers a convenient and efficient way to keep your EV ready for everyday use.
Is it cheaper to charge with a level 2 charger?
Yes, a Level 2 charger can save money compared to public fast charging and can be cheaper than gas, though the initial installation cost may be high. Savings primarily come from using lower off-peak electricity rates and the greater efficiency of Level 2 charging compared to Level 1, especially for daily commutes over 40 miles.
How a Level 2 charger saves money
- Cheaper than public fast charging: Level 2 home charging is significantly cheaper per kilowatt-hour than public DC fast chargers, saving hundreds of dollars annually on fuel costs.
- Uses off-peak rates: Many utilities offer lower electricity prices for charging during off-peak hours, which can be taken advantage of with a Level 2 charger and smart scheduling.
- More efficient than Level 1: Level 2 charging is more efficient than Level 1 charging because it converts electricity to usable energy for the car with less waste, leading to minor but still beneficial savings.
- Cost-effective for daily use: For drivers with longer daily commutes (over 40 miles), a Level 2 charger is practical and often necessary to avoid running out of charge, making it a cost-effective solution for regular use compared to relying on public charging.
Considerations
- Installation cost: The initial cost of installing a Level 2 charger, which often requires hiring an electrician, can be several hundred to over a thousand dollars, so the payback period depends on your driving habits and electricity rates.
- Efficiency difference: The efficiency difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging is small, so the primary cost-saving benefit of Level 2 comes from speed and the ability to use off-peak rates.
- Gas savings: The biggest savings come from the comparison to gasoline, with EVs costing significantly less per mile to "fuel".
Is level 2 charging better for battery?
While Level 2 charging generates slightly more heat than Level 1 charging, it remains within a manageable range for most EV batteries, enabling regular use without causing significant degradation and thus preserving battery health over the long term.
What is the benefit of level 2 charging with the Ford Connected charge station?
Provides charging through a 240V residential AC plug, or a 208V AC commercial plug. Requires installation of additional charging equipment, such as a Ford Connected Charge Station. Can deliver 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging*.
