Ford will start using Tesla-standard electric-vehicle connectors starting with its 2025 lineup, the companies’ CEOs said Thursday.
Today’s Ford models require an adapter to charge with Tesla equipment.
Starting next year, the agreement will allow Ford model owners to access Tesla’s North American network of more than 12,000 Supercharger stations without using adapters.
Tesla has the country’s largest high-speed charger network.
The unexpected move by the legacy carmaker follows Tesla’s decision last fall to open its network to owners of non-Tesla vehicles.
“Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand, and this breakthrough agreement comes as we are ramping up production of our popular Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, and preparing to launch a series of next-generation EVs starting in 2025,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley.
The Detroit Free Press said Farley indicated that Ford owners will pay for the access, possibly through a monthly subscription.
Meanwhile Thursday, Farley said Tesla isn’t its main EV rival, though Tesla is the U.S. market leader. Instead, he said, it’s China, including BYD, which is backed by U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffet.
