Texas drivers who own Ford electric vehicles are in for some cost-saving perks, thanks to a partnership between the automaker and TXU Energy. The collaboration heralds the introduction of the "TXU Free EV Miles" program, which allows for free at-home EV charging during designated off-peak hours. Ford EV drivers who are also TXU Energy customers will find credits on their energy bills for "all home energy used for vehicle charging during the free charging hours," which extend generously from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. the following day, KXAN reports.
Beyond just lightening the financial load of vehicle operations, the initiative is strategically placed to balance the electrical grid’s demand, with the promise of enhanced grid resilience. "This partnership with Ford fits squarely into TXU Energy’s broader strategy of educating customers on the benefits of owning an EV, removing barriers to making the switch, and increasing grid resiliency,” Sam Sen, vice president of energy transition solutions for TXU Energy, said in a statement, as per the Dallas Innovates article. Participants stand to gain not only from free charging hours but also from enrollment bonuses totaling $350.
Specifically, the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape Plug-In Hybrid owners are the beneficiaries of this program. Once enrolled, customers can automatically receive rebates for their at-home charging costs incurred during the off-peak window. The scheme has been detailed as a year-round offering, indicative of a sustainable approach to energy consumption and automotive operation. As mentioned by Dallas Innovates, customers will also receive a $100 welcome bonus from Ford and a $250 bonus from TXU Energy for maintaining their enrollment for a year.
Moreover, the FordPass app will facilitate the coordination of charging times within the off-peak hours, thereby maximizing the program’s benefits, per the release. Bill Crider, Ford’s senior director of global charging and energy services added, "Encouraging our electric vehicle customers to charge at off-peak hours through programs like Free EV Miles helps to save them money while supporting a more sustainable, resilient electrical grid.” This sentiment captures the dual focus of the program—individual savings, and collective sustainability, as detailed by KXAN.
