From One Pump to Hundreds of Chargers: Grappone Ford and the Launch of Ford Charge
When Rocco and Emanuela Grappone opened their small Gulf gas station in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1924, they were doing what many families of their era aspired to do: finding a way to support themselves by stepping into an industry that was reshaping America. With just one pump on the lot, they tapped into the excitement of the automobile age, giving locals and travelers alike the ability to experience the newfound freedom that came with owning a car.
Now, 100 years later, the Grappone family is once again at the edge of a shift in mobility. Instead of filling tanks with gasoline, they are helping power a new generation of vehicles—electric ones. At John Grappone Ford in Bow, New Hampshire, six DC fast chargers are now available, making the dealership the first in the United States to have chargers go live on the new Ford Charge network.
This milestone aligns with the nationwide launch of Ford Charge, which officially debuts with nearly 1,200 Ford-branded fast chargers installed at more than 320 Ford dealerships across the country. Unlike some networks tied to a single brand, Ford Charge is open to all compatible EVs, giving any driver the opportunity to benefit from Ford-backed reliability.
Building on a Century of Service
The story of Grappone Ford is, in many ways, the story of American mobility. Rocco worked as a stonecutter while his wife Emanuela and two daughters supplemented the household income by making Model T parts in a local factory. Eventually, the family scraped together enough to secure a handshake loan from a bank and opened their first service station.
That station did more than sell fuel—it became a hub for the community. Neighbors knew they could stop not only for gasoline but also for support, whether they were stranded motorists or locals in need. That ethic of care, established in the 1920s, still drives the Grappone family today.
Now in its fourth generation, the dealership continues to blend business and community service, with the same spirit of helping people get where they need to go. For current owner John Grappone, the launch of Ford Charge is a direct continuation of his great-grandparents’ vision.
“Knowing that we can help electric vehicle drivers get where they’re going connects me back to my great-grandparents and their first business venture,” he reflects. The chargers at the Bow dealership are already among the busiest in the area and rank as the most used across the Ford Charge network—a sign that the transition to electric mobility is gaining traction.
Ford Charge and the BlueOval Ecosystem
The Ford Charge program isn’t happening in isolation. It is part of the larger BlueOval Charge Network, which is now the most expansive integrated charging system in North America. By bringing together thousands of chargers from different providers, Ford ensures that its EV customers have access to fast charging within roughly 18 miles along most U.S. highways.
For drivers, convenience is key. Charger locations, availability, and pricing can all be tracked in real time through apps like the FordPass app for Ford drivers, PlugShare, or Shell Recharge. This makes trip planning smoother, whether someone is commuting across town or driving across state lines. Most stations are open 24/7, ensuring round-the-clock access.
Equally important is customer support. Ford Charge goes beyond physical infrastructure by offering 24/7 live agent assistance for anyone using the network. If a driver encounters an issue, they can call a dedicated support line to get immediate help—something that adds reassurance at a time when many new EV owners are still learning the ropes of charging.
Positive Feedback from Drivers
The early response to Ford Charge has been encouraging. At John Grappone Ford, customers are already reporting how the new infrastructure has made their travel easier.
Brian Roy, a recent customer, shared his experience: “Kudos to your location for putting in high-speed charging stations! We were able to charge our Lightning going from one campground to another!” Comments like these demonstrate the real-world impact of expanding EV charging, showing how it can turn what might have been a stressful trip into a smooth journey.
