In an earlier blog I mentioned that Ford was introducing their line of Electric Vehicles (EVs) with the Transit Connect in 2010 and the Focus in 2011. However, with the mass production of EVs in the US, it begs the question “What happens if everybody charges up at once?”
Fortunately, Ford’s already working on a solution before it even becomes a problem. Working together with different utility companies, such as Southern CA Edison and Progress Energy, Ford unveiled a very cool bit of technology. It’s an in-car display that allows an EV driver to interact with the grid and dial in charging times – so that not everyone is plugging their car in at 7 p.m. The driver will also be able to communicate to the vehicle. For instance, "as long as the car is charged by 8:00am, I don't mind when you charge.” As well, the driver can choose price controls, which will mean using cheaper off-peak electricity, and even opt for green options such as wind and solar power. On top of all this there will also be a wireless feature built in! So, you might get an alert on your cell phone telling you that your car is fully charged. Or in some cases you could send a message from your iPhone telling the car to start charging so you can join your friends at the 9 o’clock movie. The display is scheduled to be installed on the new plug-in hybrids, but a version of it could make it into production on next year’s Transit Connect or the Focus. I’m thinking about buying a new car, and I might just have to hold out for a 2011 e-Focus!
