Ford and partners develop vehicle-to-electric grid system

19th August 2009

Car manufacturer Ford and its utility partners are developing a vehicle-to-electric grid communications and control system.

The new technology allows the vehicle operator to programme when to recharge the vehicle and for how long.

‘Electric vehicles are an important element of our strategy for improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions,’ said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. ‘This vehicle-to-grid communication technology is an important step in the journey toward the widespread commercialisation of electric vehicles.’

Ford is set to introduce a pure battery electric transit connect commercial van in 2010, a battery electric Focus compact car in 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and next-generation hybrid vehicle by 2012.

‘We are designing what plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles will be capable of in the future,’ added Greg Frenette, manager of Ford’s battery electric vehicle applications. ‘Direct communication between vehicles and the grid can only be accomplished through collaboration between automakers and utility companies, which Ford and its partners are demonstrating with this technology.’

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