EcoFlow Alternator Charger Ford Transit Install Guide

Alternator

The current Transit now comes standard with a robust 250A alternator. These extra amps are ideal for charging a power station without putting too much strain on your vehicle's alternator. Additionally, some Transits come equipped with dual 250A alternators. It’s best to check what your vehicle has before pulling the full 800W from an EcoFlow Alternator Charger. Most alternators have a sticker with their specifications; however, this can sometimes be difficult to see once installed (I can spot mine if I lay under my van at just the right angle). Your local Ford dealer should be able to help you determine which alternator is installed in your van.

Recent Transits come with smart alternators that adjust voltage output based on driving conditions to improve fuel efficiency. While this sounds great, it can cause the Alternator Charger to stop charging while driving. Even worse, when paired with the XT60i cable the Alternator Charger will turn off after 30s of detected inactivity.

Vehicle Battery

Unlike most vehicles, the Ford Transit's battery/batteries are located inside the cabin under the driver's seat. This is important for planning your wire routing.

The Transit has 3 battery configuations (each uses a size H6 battery):

1. Single Battery: 610CCA
2. Single AGM Battery: 760CCA
3. Dual AGM Batteries: 760CCA each

Two batteries can make for a tighter install of the fuse block when choosing to connect to the battery instead of the CCP, but it is still manageable. Dual batteries can act as a bit of an extra buffer to the alternator and also mean you don't need to worry as much if you accidentally leave your headlights on.

Battery Management System (BMS)

The Battery Management System (BMS) is responsible for monitoring and managing the battery's condition, charging rate, and power distribution. It ensures that the battery maintains an optimal charge while preventing excessive drain from vehicle accessories. When connecting directly to the battery cables, it is important not to bypass the BMS sensors.

Customer Connection Point (CCP)

To determine which Customer Connection Points (CCPs) are installed in your Transit, remove the CCP cover (located on the outside edge of your driver's seat):

• One Stud: only CCP1 is present.
• Two Studs: CCP1 and CCP2 are present.
• Three Studs: Three CCP connections are present (each with the same spec as CCP1, follow guide for CCP1).

Alternator Charger

There are currently two models available:

• 

  800W Alternator Charger

  Price: $399
  Included Cable: XT150
• 

  500W Alternator Charger

  Price: $349
  Included Cable: XT60i

Output Cables

The output cable connects the Alternator Charger to your power station. There are currently three types of cables available. Two of these come included with different units, but all three can be purchased separately:

• 

  XT60i Output Cable

  Length: 1m
  Price: $79 (included with 500W model, supports some 3rd-party power stations)
• 

  XT150 Output Cable

  Length: 2m
  Price: $99 (included with 800W model)
• 

  Custom Fit Output Cable

  Length: 2m
  Price: $109 (connects to extra battery port on Delta Pro)

Input Cables

The input cable connects the Alternator Charger to your vehicle's electrical system and comes included with the unit. The 800W model comes with 6AWG and the 500W model comes with 8AWG.

Extending the Input Cables

Uncommon: If you need to extend the input cable, consider using a larger wire gauge (choosing the correct wire size) or purchase EcoFlow's Extended Fuse Cable:

Extended Fuse Cable

Length: 2m
Price: $59

There is a setting in the EcoFlow app when you need to extend the positive electrode, however it doesn't offer any such setting for the negative electrode.

• 
• 

Power Station

The power station needs to have one of the following connections:

• XT150
• XT60i (also support 3rd-party power stations)
• Delta Pro Extra Battery Port

Connect to Battery Cables

Recommend: This connection works with both models and has the least restrictions. It was recommended to me by a Ford BBAS Services Engineer after I explained the EcoFlow Alternator Charger's specifications and functions.

Here is how mine is connected. Note I also upgraded the fuse block (optional) as the original fuse block had issues.

Here are the connection points for each of the three battery configuations:

Connect Positive to CCP1

Only supported for the 500W model (or 800W model using XT60i cable). Since CCP1 is fused at 60A, it doesn’t support the 76A maximum charge rating of the 800W model (the 500W model's maximum charge rating is 45A). CCP1 does support reverse charge and battery maintenance features since it isn't ignition controlled. Uses an M5 nut torqued to 2.6-3.6 ft·lb (3.5-4.5Nm).

Connect Positive to CCP2

Supported for either model using the XT60i cable. Doesn't fully support reverse charge or battery maintenance features. CCP2 is ignition controlled, meaning it only provides power when the van is running (with an automatic shutoff delay). This prevents accidental battery drain but also means it won't provide charging when the van is off. Because CCP2 is fused at 175A it supports the maximum charge ratings of both models (45A and 76A). Uses an M8 nut torqued to 8.85 ft·lb (12Nm).

Connect Negative to Ground

You will be connecting the Alternator Charger's negative cable to either the battery's negative cable or to a chassis ground point. The following images depict the official ground points provided by Ford (2024 model year). Ground point #37 is actually a point on the van's negative battery cable. Ground points #35 and #36 are also close by but I found they are not easy to access (the floor panels in this spot are difficult to remove). Ideally, Ford would have included a dedicated ground point on the CCP. If none of the existing ground points are suitable, you can add a new one by following the guidelines outlined in the 2024 BEMM (see Adding a New Ground Point below).