Ford offers three years of free charging to 2016 C-Max Energi buyers in California and Maryland
Ford's EV 1-2-3 Charge programme gives new C-Max Energi owners in two US states unlimited four-hour charging sessions at over 500 EVgo stations for three years.
Ford has launched a complimentary public charging offer for buyers and lessees of the 2016 C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid in California and Maryland. The scheme, called EV 1-2-3 Charge, provides three years of unlimited four-hour charging sessions at more than 500 EVgo and partner stations across the United States.
How the EV 1-2-3 Charge programme works
To qualify, customers must buy or lease a new 2016 Ford C-Max Energi in California or Maryland between 1 October 2015 and 1 October 2016. Eligible owners receive a registration packet by post, including an activation card for the charging network. Once activated, the card grants access to unlimited four-hour charging sessions at participating EVgo and partner locations for three years from the date of vehicle delivery.
The C-Max Energi can be fully recharged in about two and a half hours using a 240-volt public charging station. Ford said the partnership with EVgo places charging points at popular shopping and dining destinations, aiming to make public charging more convenient for everyday use.
Integration with Ford’s connected services
From December 2015, Ford planned to help customers locate participating charging stations through the MyFord Mobile app, integrated with the SYNC 3 infotainment system. This feature was intended to simplify route planning and maximise the benefits of the free charging offer for C-Max Energi drivers.
Ford’s move in the context of rival EV charging offers
Ford’s free charging initiative follows similar moves by rivals. Nissan’s “No Charge To Charge” plan and Tesla’s Supercharger network have both attracted buyers by lowering the running costs of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ford’s offer, however, is limited to two states and applies only to the 2016 C-Max Energi, reflecting a targeted approach rather than a nationwide rollout.
The 2016 C-Max Energi sits within Ford’s electrified line-up as a plug-in hybrid, offering a combination of petrol and electric driving. For more on Ford’s 2016 model year launches, see 2016 Ford Taurus revealed ahead of Shanghai debut.
