Robert Hayes’ journey into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) didn’t start with a corporate meeting or technical blueprint—it began with a drive. After years as a Ford engineer working on everything from climate control systems to powertrain strategies, Hayes experienced his first benchmarking drive in an electric vehicle (EV). The experience was a game-changer. The quiet power, the instant torque—it was an eye-opening moment that ignited a newfound passion for EVs.
In 2021, Hayes became one of the first Mustang Mach-E customers. What started as a personal interest soon turned into a full-fledged road trip adventure, covering 70,000 miles across North America over three years. These weren’t your typical weekend getaways; Hayes used his travels to push the boundaries of his own understanding of electric vehicles and the challenges that come with them. While the trips included visits to national parks, they were also rigorous tests of his Mustang Mach-E’s performance, particularly when it came to charging away from home.
Through these extensive road trips, Hayes encountered a common frustration among early EV adopters: the need for a more seamless and reliable public charging experience. As he navigated various charging stations across the country, he began to see firsthand the hurdles that other EV drivers faced, from inconsistent charging speeds to unavailable stations. Hayes knew something had to be done to improve the EV charging landscape.
This passion led him to seek a role within Ford’s Model E team, where he could address the challenges of public charging. Although Hayes initially aimed to work on improving charging reliability, his unique perspective—shaped by countless conversations with fellow EV drivers—caught the attention of Ford’s customer experience team. His technical background, combined with his passion for electrification, made him an ideal fit for a role focused on improving the EV customer experience.
“Mapping out chargers and routes was always a fun game for me,” Hayes reflects. “That game has obviously been made quite a bit easier with the BlueOval Charge Network doing most of the work for me, but no less enjoyable.” Hayes continues to explore a variety of charging stations on his road trips, ranging from free Level 2 chargers at grocery stores to the newest Tesla Supercharger locations, always learning more about the charging landscape.
Hayes' journey is deeply personal, as he not only talks the talk but walks the walk. He’s transformed his own home to embrace electrification, installing solar panels to power his F-150 Lightning and replacing his gas furnace with a heat pump. This hands-on commitment allows him to authentically address customer concerns, using his own experiences to demonstrate that living with an electric vehicle can be both practical and sustainable.
“I’ve done everything from cross-country road trips to city driving to an 1,800-mile loop north of the Arctic Circle in an electric vehicle,” Hayes shares. “When people are skeptical, I can speak from personal experience.” His passion for the electric vehicle lifestyle extends to the heart of his role at Ford, where he’s working to make public charging as easy and reliable as home charging.
At the core of Hayes’ mission is making EV ownership less daunting. He understands the anxiety that comes with range limitations and the desire for convenient, reliable charging options while on the road. His goal is to bridge the gap between home charging and public charging, ensuring that all EV owners feel confident and at ease with the charging process. Hayes actively seeks feedback from customers, using their input to refine Ford’s charging strategy, ultimately making the transition to electric driving smoother for everyone.
Hayes is not alone in his dedication to improving the EV experience. He’s part of a larger team at Ford focused on the public charging experience, and together, they are committed to making the EV journey as convenient and stress-free as possible. “I don't want anyone to say that there's a limit to what they can do with their electric vehicle,” says Hayes. “These are go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles, so my mission is to share that feeling with our customers.”
For Hayes, the future of driving isn’t just about going electric—it’s about embracing a new and exciting way to explore the world. With his tireless efforts and personal commitment, Hayes is helping to pave the way for a more accessible and enjoyable EV experience for all. The road ahead may be electric, but with people like Robert Hayes behind the wheel, it’s also filled with possibility.
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