What are preferred charge times for my Ford electric vehicle?

Take the following steps.

1. Ensure you have set a target charge.
2. Open the Ford app and select Energy.
3. Select Preferred charge times.
4. Choose a location from your list of saved locations.
5. Select the + (plus) icon.
6. Choose Select Time next to "Starts" and "Ends" to choose a start and end time.
   • 2025+ model year (MY) vehicles can set one charge window per each Weekday and Weekend option.
   • 2021-2024 MY vehicles can set two charge windows per each Weekday and Weekend option.
7. Pick the Repeat button. You can choose either:
   • Weekdays
   • Weekends
8. Select Save and return to the Charge Time screen.

Your preferred charge time is now set.

Take the following steps.

1. Open the Ford app.
2. Select Energy.
3. Choose Preferred charge times. Your charge times will display by location.
4. Select the location you want to modify or delete.
5. Choose any of the following:
   • Starts to edit the start time.
   • Ends to edit the end time.
   • Repeat to switch between Weekdays and Weekends.
   • Save to finish editing.
   • Delete to erase the preferred charge time.

Many utility providers offer rate plans with pricing that varies by time of day. Preferred charge times can help you maximize your savings by scheduling as much of your charging outside of peak pricing as possible.

Contact your local utility to see if off-peak rate plans are available in your area.

In some areas, Ford Energy Rewards can connect electric vehicle owners with their local utility companies. You may be able to earn incentives in exchange for flexibility in preferred charge times. 

If you charge your vehicle at home and you have a participating local utility, you may be able to enroll today. 

When you plug in your vehicle to any charger, it will consider the following factors:

• The power available from the charger.
• How much power it can accept from the charger.
• Any AC charge rate limit setting on your vehicle (if equipped).

Your vehicle compares these factors against its current charge level and target charge to determine the estimated time needed to charge. 

When you charge at a saved location with a preferred charge time, your vehicle considers the factors above and looks ahead for the current and next calendar day. It will attempt to schedule as much of its estimated charging time inside the upcoming preferred charge time windows as possible.

You vehicle may draw power outside your preferred charge time for the following reasons:

Target Charge Level

If your vehicle determines that it cannot achieve your target charge with the power available during your upcoming preferred charge time windows, it will begin charging immediately. It will pause charging once it determines that the remaining charge can be completed within your preferred charge time windows.

For example:

• You have a preferred charge time window of 8 hours from 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
• If your vehicle is plugged in at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, and your vehicle calculates it requires 9 hours to charge, it will:
  1. Begin charging at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.
  2. Pause charging at 8:00 p.m. on Monday.
  3. Resume charging at 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, charging until it completes at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

Departure Times

If a departure time is set and your vehicle is plugged in, it will prepare the cabin and battery using power from your charge station instead of its battery. 

Your vehicle will also plan charging before the next departure time, even if that means it has to charge outside of your preferred charge time. 

For example:

• You have set preferred charge time windows of 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekdays, all day on weekends, and have also set a departure time for 6:00 a.m. on weekdays.
• If your vehicle is plugged in at 7:00 p.m. on a Monday:
  • It will prefer to schedule charging between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday instead of 9:00 a.m. when the preferred charge time window ends.
  • Your vehicle may charge outside of your preferred charge time to meet both your target charge level and departure time.

Manual Override of Preferred Charge Times

If you press the Start charging button in the Ford app while your vehicle is waiting to charge, it will begin charging immediately. It will charge until the battery is full or the session is manually stopped.