Intelligent Charging System for Ford's U.S. Electric Vehicles
Ford North America has partnered with utility suppliers to develop the U.S. industry's first vehicle-to-electric grid communications and control system to enable electric vehicles to interface with the power grid for optimal recharging.
This will allow the vehicle's owner to program when to recharge their vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate - for example you could choose to re-charge only during off-peak hours or when the grid is using renewable energy.
Nissan has developed a similar intelligent system for its LEAF electric hatchback.
Now undergoing tests, the Ford system will provide convenience and economy to buyers of the pure battery electric Transit Connect commercial van (on-sale next year), a battery-electric Focus compact car (on sale in 2011) and two new - as yet un-named - vehicles slated for introduction in 2012 - a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and a next-generation hybrid electric.
The utility companies provide Smart Meters and these meters allow the Ford vehicles - when plugged-in - to communicate directly with the electrical grid through wireless networking. A motorist simply uses the vehicle's touch screen navigation interface and Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer to program the desired charging options - when, for how long, and at using a specific utility rate.
Over the last two years, Ford and its North American industry partners have logged more than 120,000 kms on the plug-in hybrid fleet of vehicles - researching battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.
For real-world convenience, Ford says recharging away from home - at work, in shopping malls and even curbside in the street - must be as simple as plugging in and swiping a credit card.
