Ford (F) made waves last year when it struck a deal with Tesla, allowing its EV drivers access to Tesla’s (TSLA) extensive Supercharger network. The move was seen as a game-changer, opening up a whole new charging world for Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners.
But as with any groundbreaking change, a few bumps along the road are inevitable—and right now, that bump is in the form of Ford’s NACS adapters.
The Problem with the Adapters
It all started with excitement. Ford EV drivers eagerly awaited their NACS adapters, which would allow them to charge at Tesla Superchargers—an option previously exclusive to Tesla owners. But now, those same drivers are being told to put the adapters down.
In a recent email, Ford informed many of its EV owners that a “potential issue” had been discovered with some of the adapters that had already been sent out.
According to Ford’s ongoing testing, these adapters may cause a decrease in charging speeds over time, and in the worst-case scenario, they could even damage the vehicle’s charging port. For anyone who’s ever had the joy of sitting at a charging station longer than anticipated, this is news no one wants to hear.
Ford isn’t pulling any punches here. They are outright advising customers to stop using the adapters altogether until replacements arrive—a move that emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. If you’re a Ford EV owner with one of these adapters, you’ll soon receive a replacement free of charge, and Ford will even cover the cost of shipping back the faulty unit.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’ve been using the current adapter, it’s time to take a break. Ford recommends using apps like FordPass or any other EV charging app to find alternative public charging stations in the meantime. And as annoying as it is, the best thing to do is simply sit tight until the new adapter arrives.
Ford says the new adapters will start shipping during the week of October 28th, but until then, they’ve set an important deadline—by October 24th, you’ll need to confirm that your mailing address is correct, either through FordPass or by contacting your Ford National Account Manager (for fleet customers).
If everything checks out, you’re good to go. If not, make sure you update your details or risk further delays in getting your replacement.
The Bigger Picture: Ford’s “Power Promise”
As if the adapter saga wasn’t enough, Ford has also been busy with its “Power Promise” initiative. This program is designed to make EV ownership even more enticing for new buyers. Ford’s offering a free Level 2 home charger plus installation with every purchase of a Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, or E-Transit.
Ford is aiming to break down one of the biggest misconceptions about EVs: that charging is a hassle. In reality, most EV owners enjoy the luxury of waking up to a fully charged vehicle every morning. Ford hopes this program helps more people understand the benefits of going electric, even as the company navigates the inevitable bumps in its EV rollout.
A Not-So-Smooth Ride
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Ford’s electric vehicle rollout has been anything but seamless. While the company was first to secure a Tesla Supercharger deal and jump on the NACS bandwagon, delays and issues like these have put a damper on what should have been an exciting leap forward. The NACS adapter issue is just the latest in a series of challenges, including slower-than-expected sales growth and supply chain hiccups.
Still, Ford is far from throwing in the towel. The company remains committed to the future of electric vehicles, though it’s clear they’re taking a more measured approach as they scale back EV investments and focus on profitability with their current models.
What’s Next for Ford EV Owners?
While the NACS adapter issue may have thrown a wrench in things, there’s no denying that Ford is still leading the charge (pun intended) when it comes to mainstream EV adoption. With Tesla’s Supercharger network at their disposal and a growing array of home charging solutions, Ford drivers are well-positioned for the electric future.
But for now, it’s a waiting game. If you’re one of the lucky (or unlucky) few with a potentially faulty adapter, keep an eye on your inbox and get ready for that October 28th shipment. In the meantime, consider it an opportunity to explore the lesser-known EV charging stations in your area. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite spot to power up.
Charge Complete
Ford’s partnership with Tesla Superchargers is still a game-changing move for the EV world, but it’s not without its hiccups. For now, Ford drivers will need to exercise patience while the company sorts out the adapter issue.
With replacements on the way and Ford’s Power Promise making home charging easier than ever, the future looks bright—but the road to electrification always has a few speed bumps along the way.
