Charging an electric car is already much cheaper than paying for gasoline, but free charging can be even more attractive.
Tesla offers its free network of Supercharger DC fast-charging stations and Level 2 AC stations, and Nissan has offered free charging as a promotion to drive showroom traffic.
Now, Ford is jumping on the free-charging bandwagon with its EV 1-2-3 Charge card.
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The card is offered to California and Maryland customers who purchase or lease a 2016 C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid.
It grants free access to more than 500 public charging stations for three years.
The card–which was developed in partnership with the NRG eVgo charging network–is mailed to C-Max Energi owners who acquire their cars between October 1, 2015 and October 1, 2016.
2016 Ford C-Max EnergiOnce the card is activated, it can be used for 240-volt Level 2 AC charging at participating stations operated by NRG eVgo and the Sema Connect network in California and Maryland.
Ford says it takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge a C-Max Energi’s 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.
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The C-Max Energi has an EPA-rated electric range of 20 miles.
Other than an enlarged battery pack, the C-Max Energi shares its other powertrain components with the non-plug-in C-Max Hybrid.
So when it’s not running on electric power, the Energi uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine for propulsion and to generate electricity.
2016 Ford C-Max EnergiBeginning in December, Ford will tag stations included in the EV 1-2-3 Charge program on its MyFordMobile app and website.
Those stations will be identified by a pink-colored icon in the system, which is integrated with the C-Max’s optional Sync 3 infotainment system.
MORE: Easier Electric-Car Charging: BMW ChargeNow, Nissan EZ Charge (Apr 2014)
MyFordMobile also allows certain functions–like scheduling charging times–to be done remotely, and allows drivers to check charge status, gas mileage, and driving efficiency from their phones.
It’s unclear whether Ford will expand the EV 1-2-3 Charge program beyond California and Maryland, or to include the company’s other two plug-in models–the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and Focus Electric.
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