FORD EV WILL SMART RECHARGE

Ford shows off recharging technology of future
Brent Snavely, August 18, 2009 (Detroit Free Press)

"As the nation moves toward electric cars and trucks…Ford…[and partners DTE Energy, Southern California Edison and Progress Energy] say widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles is unlikely until vehicles can easily communicate with the electric grid — as they can with the new Ford technology.

"Ford and several of its electric utility partners demonstrated a touch screen system that allows consumers to program when, how long and at what rate they wish to recharge their car…"

Current Ford V2G user interface with elaborations. (from CleanMPG – click to enlarge)

"Ford, in contrast to General Motors Co., has approached plug-in vehicles as one of many possible strategies to bring fuel-efficient vehicles to market…GM [recently] announced that its extended range electric Chevrolet Volt, scheduled to go on sale late next year, will be rated for 230 miles per gallon in city driving."

Another view. (click to enlarge)

"Ford acknowledged that…[its] plan is more cautious than that of some automakers, but…[it] seems to be taking a practical approach…Next year, Ford will introduce an all-electric version of its Ford Transit Connect commercial van. That will be followed by an electric Ford Focus compact car in 2011, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and a next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in 2012…

"Questions remain, such as who will install outlets that allow for faster vehicle charging...Utilities must also decide how to price and bill for charging electric cars, as well as developing new utility rate structures and new customer billing systems…[T]he touch-screen [wireless vehicle-to-meter customer directed control of charging] programming technology that Ford developed will help customers manage the connection between the two industries…"