What are BlueOval Charge Network session fees?

Charging station operators may choose to set a per-session fee for each charging session on their chargers. 

This fee may be charged in addition to Energy Fees and Time-based Fees, or instead of them.

The most common component of public charging pricing is the direct cost for the electricity consumed, billed by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). This price is determined by the charge station operator and may change based on station demand or Time of Use.

Some charge station operators may adjust the pricing of energy at a station based on the time of day. This fee is commonly used to manage demand at a station or to reflect the changing daily cost of electricity from the utility provider. 

To minimize charging costs at these locations, consider charging during the off-peak hours offered. 

Some charge station operators may choose to include time-based fees instead of—or in addition to—Energy Fees. 

Time-based fees are different from energy-based fees. They are calculated based on the entire amount of time your vehicle is plugged in to a charging station, not the amount of energy it consumes.

Idle fees may be charged by charging station operators when a vehicle remains plugged in after the session has completed. These fees are designed to encourage drivers to move their vehicle promptly and open up the charger for other drivers.

Idle fees are commonly assessed following a grace period to allow drivers to move their vehicles before the fee begins. 

The presence of idle fees, the cost of the idle fee, and the grace period (if any) are solely determined by the charging station operator.

To minimize the potential for idle fees, use the Ford app Vehicle or Energy screens to monitor your vehicle’s charge progress. Unplug and move your vehicle promptly once it has stopped charging.

Congestion fees may be charged by charging station operators when vehicles continue to charge above a predetermined battery state of charge threshold. These fees are designed to reduce congestion at busy stations by encouraging drivers to stop charging once their battery reaches a high state of charge, making the charger available for other drivers. 

Charging station operators have sole discretion to determine:

• The presence of congestion fees.
• Whether station congestion is occurring.
• The state of charge after which congestion fees apply.
• The cost of the congestion fee.
• The grace period (if any).

Use the Ford app Vehicle or Energy screens to monitor your vehicle’s charge progress. If you can, unplug your vehicle when it reaches 80% state of charge on a DC Fast Charger. Not only can this help you minimize the potential for congestion fees, but you can also get back on the road faster, as your vehicle’s charge rate naturally decreases as it approaches full. 

Note: Operators may choose to limit charging above a predetermined battery state of charge threshold instead of charging congestion fees.