One of the most attractive aspects of owning a Tesla is having access to its nationwide system of fast charging stations. The Tesla Supercharger, which for years was only available for Tesla owners, gave Tesla owners a way to quickly charge their EVs. Today, this Supercharger network is so extensive that Tesla vehicles can map out entire road trips using the Supercharger network, telling drivers exactly how long they will need to charge at every station to make it through their road trip. However, there is a competitor on the horizon. Ford’s new BlueOval charging network is, according to Ford, America’s largest charging network.

But can the Ford BlueOval charging network compete with Tesla, which has recently become the industry standard? Here is everything you need to know about the Tesla Supercharger network, the Ford BlueOval charging network, and how they stack up against each other.

What is the Tesla Supercharger network?

The Tesla Supercharger network is a network of away-from-home EV charging stations. According to Tesla, the Supercharger network is the largest fast-charging network in the world, with over 45,000 Superchargers and more on the way. Tesla Superchargers are dedicated to fast charging your EV, with Tesla claiming that, with the right vehicle, over 200 miles can be charged in around 15 minutes.

As previously stated, the Tesla Supercharger initially got its fame with non-EV drivers due to the system’s convenience. Tesla drivers can map out their trip, and their Tesla will tell them exactly where to go and how long they need to charge at every location. Through the Tesla app, drivers can monitor charging stall availability, monitor their vehicle’s charge while they are away, and pay through the app.

Yes, unlike other third-party charging stations, there is no need for credit cards at a pay stall; Tesla Superchargers automatically start charging as soon as they are plugged in. Regarding price, Tesla Superchargers cost around $0.25 per kWh of charge. So for around 250 miles of range, you can expect to pay between $20 and $25. This is more expensive than most at-home charging but less expensive than just about any gasoline price you would be paying for a traditional vehicle.

What is the Ford BlueOval charging network?

The Ford BlueOval charging network is Ford’s system of EV charging stations, which is aiming to make EV ownership easier for traditional Ford drivers. Out of every automotive company entering the EV segment today, it seems like Ford is doing the most to streamline EV ownership.

For example, as other companies like Hyundai and its Ioniq 5 entered the EV marketplace with radically styled, brand-new vehicles, Ford focused on electrifying its already established F-150. The Mustang Mach-E is a new vehicle but with tried and true Mustang style. Ford’s approach to adapting systems already in place is also the idea behind the BlueOval charging system.

The BlueOval charging network is the largest sprawling network in America because it uses other existing charging stations. BlueOval is a middleman that uses other charging stations like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America for their services. Instead of keeping track of what every charging station offer, BlueOval customers get access to an entire sweeping list of charging stations, all of which can be accessed with a Ford BlueOval subscription.

Tesla and Ford – apples to oranges

Telsa’s Supercharger network is a standalone model, and the Ford BlueOval system is a simplified “all in one” system that uses other charging stations under its service umbrella. Ironically, 12,000 Telsa Supercharging stations are now being included in the BlueOval network, according to Business Wire.

When it comes down to it, it is impossible to compare the Tesla Supercharger to the Ford BlueOval because they are entirely different experiences. Unlike the Tesla charging network, Ford’s system is only available for its own Ford EVs, leaving most consumers out of the conversation entirely.