Hey everyone, just joined the club with a black Lightning. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the mobile power cord option. The Ford one is $520 to buy, and I only need it until my charger gets installed. Waiting on the permit for that. My wife has a Volvo PHEV, so I’m thinking of using her Volvo cord for Level 1 charging. I don’t drive much daily, so it should be fine, right? Has anyone used a non-Ford power cord for charging?
If it’s a J1772 plug, you’re good to go.
Honestly, Ford’s mobile charger isn’t great. It’s worth investing in a better mobile charger if you’re going to buy one. There are a lot of recommendations here on the forum for chargers, both hardwired and mobile. I’ve used the Ford Charge Station Pro and mobile charger because they came with my truck, but if you’re paying out of pocket, there are better choices.
@Adair
Just to confirm, the Ford mobile charger that came with my truck already broke.
It only charges at 3kW now because it thinks it’s overheating. The LED shows an orange light.
Sydney said:
@Adair
Just to confirm, the Ford mobile charger that came with my truck already broke.
It only charges at 3kW now because it thinks it’s overheating. The LED shows an orange light.
Oh wow, that’s not very reassuring.
@Perry
It lasted about 2 years. I’d suggest using it until it breaks, if it does.
After that, get the Tesla mobile connector and pair it with the A2Z Tesla to J1772 adapter. The Tesla connector has more options for plugs.
@Sydney
That’s actually a good idea. I missed the free Tesla adapter deal, so maybe I’ll just go that route. Get the Tesla cord and then the J1772 adapter.
Perry said:
@Sydney
That’s actually a good idea. I missed the free Tesla adapter deal, so maybe I’ll just go that route. Get the Tesla cord and then the J1772 adapter.
I’ve got the Tesla NACS to CCS adapter. It’s okay, but not great.
If you’re interested, you can get the A2Z NACS/CCS and Tesla/J1772 adapters together as a bundle for a discount.
@Sydney
I’d be careful with that. The Tesla adapter is the only one certified for Supercharger stations. If something goes wrong, you’d be responsible for damage to your vehicle and the charging station.
I have the A2Z adapter too, but I keep it as a backup. Until it’s certified, the Tesla adapter is still the safest bet.
@Vesper
That is if you can actually find one available for purchase.
Adair said:
@Vesper
That is if you can actually find one available for purchase.
Haha, funny you say that… I just saw one available today. SMH.
@Sydney
I’ll definitely check that out.
@Perry
The Ford mobile charger is actually just a rebranded Webasto. You’re lucky you didn’t pay $500+ for it. There are way better options. Check out the ‘State of Charge’ YouTube channel. The guy reviews almost every EV charger out there and owns a Ford Lightning.
@Adair
I use a J+ Booster 2 mobile charger because it has a 6-20 plug adapter that fits the 240V power tool outlets in my shop.
I got a Splitvolt charger.
Wouldn’t recommend it.
I went with the Tesla mobile connector and a J1772 adapter. It’s handy for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, and I can help friends or family charge their EVs if needed.
At home, I use a ChargePoint Home charger on a 50A circuit.
There are plenty of chargers on Amazon in the $180-220 range. Just make sure it’s UL certified.
I’ve been using a Tesla mobile connector with an adapter for nearly 2 years, mostly on 120V. The Volvo cord should work if it’s the right plug and supports 120V/12A. I went with the Tesla one because it’s half the price of the Ford version and I’ve used it before.
I replaced my Ford mobile charger with one I bought off Amazon after I accidentally damaged the connector. The new one charges at 9.8kW compared to the Ford’s 7.2kW. I’m happy with the faster charging and don’t plan to install the Ford Charge Station Pro anymore.
Did you plastidip the front grill?
Teo said:
Did you plastidip the front grill?
Nope, that’s how it came. Just picked it up.