The new Level 2 EV charging device is compatible with all industry safety standards

Oct 11, 2011 06:06 GMT  ·  By
Ford Focus Electric will offer customers an innovative home charging station
   Ford Focus Electric will offer customers an innovative home charging station

Together with Leviton, American automaker Ford has recently developed a new home charging station that has recently received UL certification, and is also compatible with all additional industry safety standards and recommended practices.

The new Level 2 EV charging device has been designed exclusively for Ford, and comes to ease the experience of Focus customers.

The Ford Electric Vehicle Home Charging Station provides up to 32 amps at 240 volts AC (7.7 kW output) – fully charging a Ford Focus Electric’s battery in a little over three hours, more than four times faster than the standard portable charger.

The enclosure of this device is reportedly made from nearly 60 percent recycled materials and contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint of up to 80 percent.

The Ford EV Home Charging Station retails for $1,499 (about €1,100 at the current exchange rate) and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Customers will be able to easily relocate the device, while the included 18-foot long “wrap-around” charging cable offers maximum convenience.

Another highlight of this home charging station is an ADA compliant, simple one-button user interface, while a ground monitor circuit and built-in communication verifies proper connection before charging can commence.

The device’s “Auto-Restart” feature enables charging to restart following a minor fault, thereby reducing the chance of being stranded with an undercharged battery.

In addition to that, with a weatherproof NEMA Type 4 enclosure, the device is safe for both indoor and outdoor use – “non-permanent” plug-in installation is ideal for indoor applications, while a “hard-wired” conversion kit is available for outdoor locations.

“Charging is one of the most important components of owning an electric vehicle, so it was crucial to develop a charging station that made ownership easier and more affordable for Focus Electric owners,” said Mike Tinskey, Assoc. Director for Ford’s Global Electric Vehicle Infrastructure.