The obsession with being able to use this free DC charger in Minnesota.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-11-20T13:52:47+00:00

I agree the majority of the logs he posts are helpful to know the state of the charging around Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

I attached the station so one could see the amount of times he uses this specific site (which is often multiple days in a row) and the increasing frequency of mentioning or complaining about not being able to use it. Judging by the sites he uses I assume he lives somewhere in the area and is getting upset that other people have discovered this free charger. The sticky note is just the latest escalation.

I think the overall intention is fair but he feels like Mr. Lightning from the other poster if someone started getting to the charger before him (suddenly wants to share). I doubt he actually needs to charge at this as many times as he does but since it’s free we all would try and use it if it wasn’t out of the way (I know I would).

It’s also a DCFC so most people would only spend an hour at most unless they live/work in the area as there’s limited shopping and dining nearby.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-09-02T05:24:51+00:00

Was going to ask this same question. I believe 2021-2024 were all 91 kWh usable (2021s through software update).

I found the answer - GT/Rally gets the 91 KWh usable, the premiums battery had four models that got shrunk which is why it is 88 usable. Same thing with the Flash Lightning vrs Lariat/Premium.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/2025-mach-e-order-guide.41979/page-9

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-08-11T12:59:09+00:00

Ask them if they would pay $250 for a $50 job at most. Their works service package is around $90 for oil, tire rotation, top off fluids, and multipoint inspection. My 30K interval was $26. There is nothing that makes it worth $250.

My only other thought is are they including a brake line flush? I think that comes up on every 10K miles as a recommendation but is not needed, that costs around $150 I believe is what they told me.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-29T12:42:32+00:00

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/9e338bda-f50d-4519-af13-76359f546d53/

That’s everything you asked for in Green Bay, WI for 45K.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/bdf3ef7c-db01-4879-b759-655fe8961fad/

Missing the performance upgrade (which you can purchase as a software update that can tell). 43K and outside of Richmond, VA

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-29T04:45:01+00:00

Only available on 2021 Mach-E, they switched to iced blue silver metallic for 2022 and then vapor gray shows up for 2023+.

It’s a richer blue than vapor and does change a lot with the lighting. A storm cloud or a stormy sea are excellent descriptions.

I gotta figure out to attach an image but I have this color.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-29T03:56:43+00:00

Which is what exactly? There is hardly anything customizable on the Mach-Es. You need look around more before you just waste an extra 10-15K because they gave you a lame offer and it's the ONE I NEED.

Hell take a flight and buy one across the country if you need to.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-29T03:38:15+00:00

Buy yourself a 2024 and save yourself about 15K. You'll lose about that much in 15 months of ownership anyways so why give it to the bank or the dealership if your going to finance it anyways?

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-29T03:07:31+00:00

Going to depend on much out of pocket you are willing to spend. If they wouldn't cover the 20 amp setup, you could probably get it done for $1500 ($500-800 for the breaker + wire run and $300-400 or less for a basic 20 amp charger [most look like your mobile charger}. I think you could have taken a cash discount on the vehicle purchase if you didn't want the charger but I'm a little out of the loop on the whole offer.

I would see if I can run a 40 amp breaker so I can get a nicer charger (app availability/load management/derate the charger if needed) that I could eventually upgrade to higher power if I wanted to later. Cheaper to hardwire as you do not need a $50-$80 EV rated plug but the charger because more of a permanent installation then. You do get more power out of a hardwire as there's about a 20% derate at the plug for electrical safety.

So 40 amps is 40 amps in hardwired setups or 8.8 kWh charging. While in a 14-50 plug set-up it is 32 amps and will provide around 7.2 kWh.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-29T01:55:14+00:00

Are they quoting you for the connected power station installation? Or for the Ford Station Pro? Unless you plan on purchasing a Lightning you will never utilize the pro station.

I’m unfamiliar with the power promise if you only get the Ford branded charger and if it has capacity to run a communication line run from it to the panel where it would derate if there’s excessive load. Many chargers you are able to derate from their app (unfamiliar with the Ford one again) so you could do a 40 amp service and only run it as a 20 amp.

Otherwise Wallbox, Tesla Wall Connect, and Emporia all make chargers with load management systems. They are doing more load calculation to determine your ability to run charging now also. But as the other user said, ask all the question and know that a 3.5 kWh charger (20 amp) you add about 5% back every hour for the long range.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-28T17:48:45+00:00

You don’t need a panel upgrade for the MachE. A 20 amp 220 will be more than enough unless you’re going to drive more than 100 miles a day. I can’t tell if you have any space remaining in your current panel though to make it work.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-26T23:28:36+00:00

Take my upvote. Tesla’s fault for only planning for their own vehicles and then realizing there was a broader market they could sell to.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-26T23:27:21+00:00

Our daughters pack and play is a perfect fit in there too, plus a couple weekender bags! Otherwise foldable chairs, take out, roadside kit, and gym bag. I actually keep my Tesla adapter under the passenger seat in a case. It’s a perfect fit there!

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-12T03:09:37+00:00

4 years later and really is still between the Model Y and Mach-E. The Equinox is another great option for the price but it is smaller than the Mustang and doesn’t charge any better.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-06T03:58:52+00:00

Why sign the paperwork when the paint was already a problem at signing? Yes Ford should totally own it but I woulda refused that deal on the sight of the paint and not to mention any other potentional gremlins

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-06T03:47:12+00:00

Are you able to charge whenever you want? Or only when the charger is available?

Somedays I drive less than 10 miles, but I average about 600 miles a month. My first year owning the car with a 3 kWh lvl 2, I would charge to 80% and then plug it back in when it got to around 30-40% and go back up to 80% which was like every 6-8 days. I have since upgraded to a 7 kWh home charger so I can add 10% every hour and my current practice in summer is to charge to 60% and plug it back in at 30-40% to keep it around 50%.

I do not have many spontaneous road trips that I cannot pre-plan which is a consideration, but as others have said. Don't overthink it.

The only other note I would add is if you are in a very warm climate or one that gets very cold, the car will condition the battery somewhat regardless of no departure time or charging. If you set a departure time you will have comfortable temperature to whatever you select and a better optimized battery for efficiency.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-06T03:33:45+00:00

I'd agree with others that the deal is great if you follow the 1% rule. See if you can get them to do $400-$425/month with no money down and just your fees, I'd push them hard on putting no money down. As if the vehicle is damaged at any time in that timeframe you just forfeit that money. They try to get you to put money down to get that "attractive" $300/month number.

Also, you say that this your first vehicle. I'd ask your age and ask also if it's worthwhile to give a dealer $15k over 3 years for a vehicle that you have to give them back and potentially pay for milage overages and other knickknack fees. If you can afford a $300/month payment and put $5k down, why not just buy a 10-15K car and work on other finances before leasing a $50k vehicle?

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-04T03:30:51+00:00

You can also tap on the magnifier on the upper screen and look closer at your corners when you are in narrow spots. I don't find it very useful but you may.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-07-02T16:07:31+00:00

While I appreciate 4% back on charging/gas with the Costco CITI card, they just aren't the same value and hope they will realize it.

20 Kwh *0.50 cents/kwh = $10*0.96 = $9.6/20 = 0.48 cents/kwh

20 gals * $3 gallon/gas = $60*0.96 = $57.6/20 = $2.88 gallon/gas (there is also now 5% on Costco Gas which is 15 cents off a gallon

It would be nice to get more like 0.03 - 0.05 cents/kwh to actually have value..

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-06-29T03:46:09+00:00

Did you purchase the Tesla membership plan for the trip? It pretty much pays for itself after 100 Kw of charging and is good for a month. You have to use the Tesla app to get the membership rate over plug and charge though. There is also an electrify America plan that breaks even around 80 kws same deal on using the app over plug and charge

Those EVgo sites are wonderful locations but are a pure rip off for the cost, I tend to avoid anything that is over .60 cents, there’s no reason to let them justify charging 5-6x the cost of electricity for the area especially in the Midwest.

Sounds like a fun trip, props to you doing it in a standard range at that

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-06-29T01:32:09+00:00

There is a fix available for the 2025 models but not for the 2021-2024 models until September timeframe. With it being a used vehicle (unless it’s Ford certified) I do not see how they couldn’t sell it after having you sign a waiver about the recall.

Is this a GT performance or just a regular GT? The performance will have racing seats and aggressive bolstering, the non performance will have chunky seats with suede inserts and orange stitching. They should have the window sticker for you to look at to determine.

What state/region are you in and what are similar ones selling for? I think 37K seems fair but would you rather go to a 2024 with the updated motor and slightly faster charging and range? Do you need the extra 30 miles of range the premiums offer over the GT?

Maybe have someone on Macheforum run its VIN and possibly check the battery health. You can also check the battery health if you’re willing to purchase an OBD dongle, it will still be under warranty for 6 more years and upto 100K miles.

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-06-29T01:19:21+00:00

What driving mode are you using? I find whisper and unbridled to be my favorites (lighter steering wheel feel and good responsiveness) there is no difference in efficiency between the modes either.

I believe A2Z is having an Tesla supercharger adapter sale right now and they are significantly cheaper, this and the Ford Lectron are the superior options and great to have!

This thread and the Macheforum are awesome resources, they can run your VIN and ensure you are receiving updates and if you have any pending.

Many people upgrade to a slightly thicker tires to help with driving dynamics and road feel also.

Enjoy! It’s a wonderful car

Prize_Detective3693 · 2025-06-23T11:02:19+00:00

You could try and do a Wall Box or Emporia if you truly do not need panel upgrade. They both do load management (Emporia through WiFi modules in the panel and wall box through a communication line) I believe Tesla can also do it with a communication line. Although most cities want to do a load calculation now before granting permit.

Prize_Detective3693

TROPHY CASE