I live in an unincorporated area in Texas where no permits are needed for work like this. A contractor got approval to upgrade my 200A service to 400A, along with installing a new panel and running a line for a charger. Ford approved it all as part of the installation for their charger, and my out-of-pocket cost is $0. I’m surprised this is even happening—has anyone else experienced something like this?
This is exactly what companies need to do to encourage EV adoption. It’s not just about the cars; the charging infrastructure has to improve. Seems like Ford’s leadership gets it.
Jordan said:
This is exactly what companies need to do to encourage EV adoption. It’s not just about the cars; the charging infrastructure has to improve. Seems like Ford’s leadership gets it.
I agree, and it seems like Ford is trying to make it easier. The contractor said the approval even covers trenching if needed, though I have no idea what they’d trench for. I’ll know more once the weather clears up—it’s supposed to snow here in Houston.
@Rowan
Trenching is probably for running a second set of lines if your power comes underground. With 400A service, it’s typically split into two 200A circuits from the transformer.
Lior said:
@Rowan
Trenching is probably for running a second set of lines if your power comes underground. With 400A service, it’s typically split into two 200A circuits from the transformer.
Thanks for explaining that. My house is set pretty far back from the main road, and after the last hurricane, they replaced the poles and put up a new transformer. I think it powers just my house and one neighbor’s. If people are interested, I could share updates or even photos, but I’m not sure if that’d be helpful or annoying.
That’s incredible. Around Boston, you’d pay $1,200 just to have someone say ‘electrician’ out loud. Labor costs are wild depending on where you live.
Cal said:
That’s incredible. Around Boston, you’d pay $1,200 just to have someone say ‘electrician’ out loud. Labor costs are wild depending on where you live.
Texas isn’t cheap either, but I’ve noticed prices double the moment you mention EVs. Contractors assume it’s all premium work.
@Keegan
We saw the same thing when we installed a Tesla charger. The bids were triple the price compared to just getting a standard outlet installed. We ended up using a welding outlet to charge instead, and it’s worked great.
This sounds too good to be true. A 400A upgrade is usually a $5,000+ project. If the contractor misunderstood what’s covered, you might end up with a surprise bill.
Sage said:
This sounds too good to be true. A 400A upgrade is usually a $5,000+ project. If the contractor misunderstood what’s covered, you might end up with a surprise bill.
You could be right. The approval says, ‘upgrade service as needed,’ but it doesn’t specify limits. If it turns out not to be covered, I’ll go with a lower current option for now. Either way, I’ll share updates once I hear more.
@Rowan
Just a heads-up—only certain models support 80A charging. If your truck is a 2024 Flash, Lariat, or Platinum, it’s capped at 48A. Only the ER Pro models still support 80A.
Congrats on the upgrade! No-permit areas are the best.
Fern said:
Congrats on the upgrade! No-permit areas are the best.
Thanks! The electrician said the utility needs about three weeks to upgrade my meter. I still can’t believe this long list of work is costing me nothing.
I’m on 100A service, so this kind of upgrade would be a game-changer for me. Keep us updated!
Franz said:
I’m on 100A service, so this kind of upgrade would be a game-changer for me. Keep us updated!
I’m on 100A too and charge my Tesla at 32A without issues. Unless you’re driving 250+ miles daily, you might not need a big upgrade just yet.
Congrats! Utilities sometimes offer credits for upgrades like this. They’ll make it back if your energy use increases.
How did you even get Ford to approve this?
Keegan said:
How did you even get Ford to approve this?
It’s part of Ford’s ‘Power Promise’ program. You can get a free charger installed within 80 feet of your breaker panel or take $2,000 off the vehicle’s price. The dealer has to submit the right form to Ford. If anyone wants more details, let me know—I kept notes on the process.
400A service? What are you running, a crypto mining operation?