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When my great-grandparents Rocco and Emanuela Grappone opened their Gulf gas station in Concord, New Hampshire in 1924 with just one gas pump, they saw an opportunity to support their family by becoming part of the leap forward sweeping the country and experiencing the freedom that comes with owning a car.
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Amanda Grappone Osmer
A century later, cars – and the ways we fill them up - have come a long way. But our main goal remains the same: today, at John Grappone Ford in Bow, New Hampshire, we are helping electric vehicle customers enjoy the freedom of the open road with six DC fast chargers at our dealership.
We are proud to be part of Ford Charge; a new network officially launching today, and backed by Ford with nearly 1,200 Ford-branded fast chargers located at more than 320 Ford dealerships nationwide. Ford Charge offers reliable, public charging for all electric vehicles and we’re proud to be the first Ford dealer in the country to have chargers go live on the Ford Charge Network.
Ford Charge has immense potential because it offers drivers the peace of mind of being backed by Ford and is open to any compatible electric vehicle, regardless of make and model.
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Possibly a photo of my great grandparent's first gas station.
Our family business began with a single gas station. My great-grandmother and two of her daughters worked at a local factory making Model T parts to help supplement the pay her husband was bringing home as a stone cutter. When they saved enough and made a handshake deal with a local bank for a loan, it was time to open their doors to neighbors and tourists who passed their station on New Hampshire’s main north-south throughway.
They took care of their community in more ways than one, providing not only support for local motorists, but a helping hand to neighbors in need. That commitment has passed down through four generations of my family. Knowing that we can help all electric vehicle drivers get where they’re going connects me back to my great-grandparents and their first business venture.
Our chargers are often among the busiest in the area, and they are the most used across the whole Ford Charge network. I am proud of our team at Grappone Ford who made this a reality.
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My great grandparents Rocco and Emanuela Grappone.
Ford Charge is part of the BlueOval Charge Network, North America’s largest integrated network, which unites thousands of charges, and gives Ford electric vehicle drivers access to fast chargers within 18 miles on most U.S. highways.
Customers can easily find Ford Charge stations through the BlueOval Charge Network for Ford customers, PlugShare, or the Shell app. These apps show charger locations, real-time availability, and pricing, making it simple for drivers to plan their routes and charging stops. While most locations are 24/7 charger availability for each specific location is clearly visible through the FordPass app, PlugShare, and the Shell app.
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Beyond easy access, Ford Charge also prioritizes customer support. Ford Charge offers 24/7 live agent call center support, available to any user of a Ford Charge station. If a customer has an issue or a question during their charging session, they can call a dedicated support line for immediate help, any time of day or night.e
We know these chargers are a benefit to all electric vehicle drivers in the area. We are proud to be part of the launch of Ford Charge, and helping drivers get to where they need to go, as we’ve been doing for over 100 years and plan to do so for the next 100 years. At our store, we’ve received some very positive feedback:
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At John Grappone Ford, we are proud to help continue Ford's legacy, empowering American drivers with the freedom of choice and the vehicles that move them forward, now and into an electrified future.
Amanda Grappone Osmer is Dealer Principal of John Grappone Ford in Bow, New Hampshire.
