Ford Pro, Southern Company see cost savings with commercial EV pilot program

Ford Pro and Southern Company have completed a six-month pilot program demonstrating how managed charging can reduce costs, strengthen grid reliability and maintain fleet readiness for electric commercial vehicles.

The pilot used Southern Company’s fleet of more than 200 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks and over 150 Ford Pro Level 2 chargers across multiple states, with Ford Pro Intelligence software monitoring charging patterns and energy use, according to a Sept. 4 Ford release. The program showed how large fleets can shift charging to off-peak hours, respond to utility grid signals and still ensure vehicles remain operational.

During demand response tests, Ford Pro’s software scheduled charging pauses to avoid peak pricing and demand periods, according to the release. Southern Company reduced charging demand by 0.5 megawatts, averaging about 10 kW of savings per charger, while maintaining uninterrupted operations.

The results highlight the potential of intelligent energy management to support EV fleet efficiency and grid stability, according to the release. Ford Pro said the insights will help shape future electrification strategies and customer programs designed to scale managed charging across commercial fleets.

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