Ford chooses Aerovironment to provide home charging solution

[vetboy45]

As you may know, Leviton currently makes the ford branded charger that can be installed by the Geek Squad. I thought that was a strange choice for a partner to help with high current electrical installations. It appears I am not the only one. Find the whole story here : http://evsolutions.avinc.com/news/show/ford_selects_aerovironment_to_provide_complete_home_charging_solution_for_p

 

[jmueller065]

Strange in that link reads like a press release but I can't find it on Ford's media website (http://media.ford.com).

Ah note that that press release is on Aerovironment's own website--of course they will think differently than Leviton!

I'd take this with a grain of salt until I see an official press release from Ford...

 

[WindPowered]

I'd take this with a grain of salt until I see an official press release from Ford...

I'd take it as fact. Major companies don't issue press releases citing false information about other companies unless they want a massive lawsuit.

What is uncertain however, is what this really means. The press release reads AeroVironment "announced its selection by Ford Motor Company as the preferred installation partner and authorized charging station supplier..."

Does that mean the *exclusive* supplier? I don't read it that way. It says "preferred". If it was exclusive, you can be darn sure they'd make that known as it would be a major coup and bragging rights. So it's very possible that Leviton product is still available from Ford, but AeroVironment gets the "preferred" branding because they struck a better deal, and that Ford is probably just broadening its horizons on its EVSE supplier base.


WP

 

[vetboy45]

I suppose that could be true and I hope it is. More choice for the consumer is a good thing but the press release also says "AeroVironment becomes Ford’s sole provider of turnkey charging station installation, warranty service and onsite support". Of course, then it depends on the definition of turnkey. Either way it's interesting.

 

[dmen]

http://www.plugincars.com/best-buy-out-aerovironment-fords-charging-partner-127183.html

"Buyers of the Ford Focus Electric, and Energi versions of the C-MAX and Fusion will be offered either the AeroVironment or Leviton EVSEs. Both are around $850 through Ford."

Sounds like A/V is replacing Bestbuy Geeks as the official installer, and can install either the A/V unit or the Leviton unit; or the buyer can buy either unit alone and plan to DIY install.

 

[floppymoose]

This is a bit ironic, since I didn't get the Best Buy charger and went my own way, buying … an Aerovironment!