Posts Tagged ‘hybrid’

Creating New Paradigms is Just How We Roll

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid earned the inaugural Hermance Vehicle Efficiency Award Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show. The award is named for the late Dave Hermance, the legendary engineer and vocal proponent of hybrid-electric vehicles who died in 2006 at the age of 59 when his experimental plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean.

The Hermance award, which is given by BermanWorks, the media company behind HybridCars.com, honors new North American vehicles that best represent the vision of practical efficiency and risk-taking – two qualities the engineering wizard and avid pilot cherished. The voting committee recognized Fusion Hybrid for “setting a whole new benchmark” for mainstream hybrid-electric vehicles.

“The word that most evokes the design and engineering accomplishment seen in the Ford Fusion Hybrid is integration,” the Hermance Committee said in its official statement. “Any remnants of dissonance in joining the yin of gasoline with the yang of electricity – whether for the feel of regenerative braking or the twinge of motor-generator and engine transitions – have been erased. The result is a product that is indeed a feat of seamless fusion, one that truly creates a new paradigm for how hybrid cars should drive.”

The Hermance committee went on to praise Fusion Hybrid’s “no compromise” drivability and functionality as well as its SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide human-machine interface. Its independent members also predicted that the Fusion Hybrid will “stand the test of time as a product that, years from now, will mark the beginning of when hybrids became transparent in terms of how they operate.”

The committee concluded that Dave Hermance himself would approve of Ford’s accomplishment with the Fusion Hybrid, “marrying a seamless, sophisticated hybrid powertrain to a highly competitive product, positioned solidly in the middle of the mainstream market.”

Quote
“This is a tremendous honor. Dave Hermance’s commitment to producing efficient vehicles for the 21st century is the same kind of commitment our team brings to work everyday.”
– Lisa Drake, Chief Engineer of Ford’s Global Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle programs

Tags: Chicago Auto Show, Ford, Ford Fusion, Ford Motor Company, Hermance Vehicle Efficiency Award, hybrid

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Who’s Getting Charged Up About Electric Cars?

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Plenty of people talk the talk about transforming the auto industry and personal transportation as we know it, but few walk the walk. On of the few is Ford Motor Company, which announced Monday that it will invest an additional $450 million in its aggressive electric vehicle plan, paving the way to build a next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle in Michigan beginning in 2012 and creating 1,000 new jobs.

This comes in addition to Ford’s already announced plans to invest $550 million to transform Michigan Assembly Plant from a large SUV factory to a modern car plant to build the all-new Focus starting in 2010 and Focus Electric pure battery electric vehicle in 2011. With today’s news, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., will be the production site of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles, all of which will be built off the company’s new global C-car platform.

In addition to building the Ford Focus Electric and next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid at Michigan Assembly Plant, Ford said it is bringing battery system design and development in-house.

Ford will design advanced lithium-ion battery systems in-house for the next-generation hybrid in Michigan and move production of the battery packs from Mexico to Michigan. The production site will be announced at a later date.

In addition, Ford has announced it will produce hybrid transaxles at its Van Dyke Transmission facility in Sterling Heights, Mich., beginning in 2012.

Partnering with the state of Michigan has been critical to the acceleration of the electric vehicle plan, Ford said. Today, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a package of incentives and tax credits totaling $188 million. The package includes job credits, brownfield site credits and battery pack assembly credits recently approved by the Michigan legislature.

Learn more about Ford’s investment announcement.

Quotes
“This investment underscores how serious we are about delivering a range of electrified vehicles to customers – including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. Our industry is at the intersection of three critical global issues – the economy, energy and the environment. The winning companies will be those that address these issues with vehicles that are also exciting and fun to drive, without compromises.”
– Bill Ford, Ford’s Executive Chairman

“Vehicle electrification is part of our ongoing strategy to diversify Michigan’s economy and make the state a center for green and advanced manufacturing. That is why we have worked so hard to invest in and encourage development of battery and electric vehicle technology and production in the state. We applaud Ford’s leadership and commitment to Michigan and our transportation future.”
– Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm

“Battery system design and development will be a core competency for Ford in the 21st century. Building in-house expertise and leveraging our global scale is critical to developing electrified vehicles that are affordable, connected and fun to drive.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford’s Director of Global Electrification

“Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is quickly becoming a symbol of transformation on many different levels. Not only will the new facility enable Ford to meet increased market demand for small fuel-efficient cars, it also promises to become the hub of Ford’s advanced technology vehicle manufacturing in Michigan that will benefit the company, the UAW, the state and our customers throughout North America.”
– Jim Tetreault, Vice President, North America Manufacturing

Tags: electric vehicle, Ford, Ford Motor Company, hybrid, Michigan, NAIAS, New Jobs, plug-in hybrid

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Sometimes the Choices are So Good You Can’t Pick Just One

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

The 2010 Ford Flex and the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have been named 2010 All-Stars by AUTOMOBILE Magazine, one of America's leading automotive lifestyle publications.

The AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Stars are chosen by the AUTOMOBILE Magazine staff, its worldwide bureau chiefs and its contributors, following an intensive test drive of the year's most innovative and important new cars. Winners are selected based on design, value and performance, driving enjoyment and the vehicle's ability to redefine an existing category or create a new market segment.

The 2010 Ford Flex: Turning heads today and tomorrow
This year marks the second consecutive win for the Ford Flex. Last year, AUTOMOBILE Magazine described the 2009 model as a "class act among people movers."

In addition to being named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars, the 2010 Ford Flex was recently singled out for the 2009 "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" award from the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC). Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, predict Flex will be the vehicle most likely to turn heads at the Woodward Dream Cruise of 2034. Ford's unique crossover has been turning heads since its introduction in 2007.

For 2010, the Flex offers outstanding fuel economy in the full-size crossover segment with 17 mpg city/24 highway and an unsurpassed 20 mpg combined. It also offers a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, an auto-fold 60/40 second-row split bench seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the Ford-exclusive MyKey™ technology, which allows owners to program a maximum top speed – and radio volume – to encourage safe operation by teen drivers.

Banner year for 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2009 has been a banner year for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. In addition to being named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars, America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan was honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazine's "10Best" cars for 2010, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award. The Fusion Hybrid also is a finalist for North American Car of the Year.

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, Fusion sales are at an all-time high for 2009, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. And more than 60 percent of Fusion sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

Additional awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:

"Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2009 Ward's Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster

Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

Named one of America's Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine

Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine

Named 2009 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER

Named Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com

Named one of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

Earned The Detroit News Readers' Choice Award for "Best Value"

Quotes
"The level of excellence found during our annual All-Stars competition was at an all-time high and the competition was strong, despite the auto industry coming off its worst year in recent history. We whittled down a list of 39 finalists to the 10 All-Stars, and the end results produced a list of true standouts."
– Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine

"For 2010, Ford has equipped the Flex with its much-anticipated EcoBoost™ engine, thereby addressing the Flex's only weakness – power – and effectively transforming it from a well-rounded family hauler into a large sport wagon. The Flex is unique in a market brimming with compromised, look-alike utility vehicles and is one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market."
– Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine

"Its very ordinariness is what makes the Fusion Hybrid an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star. The Fusion Hybrid is not a performance machine, but neither does it feel hobbled or inadequate for daily driving. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the LCD color screens, you might never know you're driving a hybrid."
– Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine

Tags: Automobile Magazine 2010 All-Stars, Ford, Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Ford Motor Company, hybrid

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It Soars While Others Sink

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

It's a Bird It's a Plane It's a Ford Fusion

Soaring sales of the Ford Fusion have made 2009 already a record-breaking year for America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.

Sales for 2009 already have reached 151,137 units, eclipsing the previous Fusion full-year sales high of 149,552 in 2007. Importantly, Fusion sales are skyrocketing at a time when industry sales are the lowest they have been since the early ’80s.

Welcome to the Top 10
In the first ten months of 2009, Fusion sales were 15 percent higher than a year ago. Also, Fusion has moved among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and the No. 1 selling domestic car.

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®, and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

The diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand. Sales data show that consumers are taking notice. Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales. Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”

The hybrid attraction
Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Quotes
“It’s extraordinary that a car could set a sales record in an environment where overall industry sales are down 26 percent from a year ago.”
– George Pipas, Ford Sales Analyst

“There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with six-speed transmission.”
– Jonathan Richards, Ford Fusion Marketing Manager

Tags: America's Top 10 selling vehicles, Ford, Ford Fusion, Ford Motor Company, Ford SYNC, fuel-efficient midsize sedan, hybrid, No. 1 selling domestic car

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Yes, But Will It Come with Auto Pilot?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

While Ford’s rumored development of a flying car is greatly exaggerated, it’s fair to say that the future of hybrid vehicles is in good shape. In fact, Ford and the University of Michigan are working together on a new project to accelerate the development of future hybrid vehicles.

Researchers are analyzing data from 2,500 road trips to determine how internal electronic vehicle controls could be tweaked to further improve fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive attributes.

Working with U of M, Ford has tested nearly 1 million design simulations of hybrid vehicle control systems to date and continues to conduct about 50,000 a week – a development speed that otherwise would not be possible.

Other academic work in hybrid vehicle technology primarily has been focused on fuel economy – often at the expense of drivability. Ford and U of M are looking at the marriage of both.

The new hybrid controller design method has the potential to offer consumers more choice in efficiency and drivability. They may have multiple operational modes or offer customers the ability to customize their driving experience.

The research is still in its early stages, but initial results are promising.

Read more about Ford Motor Company’s hybrid vehicles.

Quotes
“The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available, and its performance is second to none. Our work with U of M is helping us develop the next generation of Ford hybrids and bring them to market even faster.”
– Ryan McGee, Supervisor of Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design in Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering.

Working together with the University of Michigan research team, we are testing the boundaries of hybrid vehicle technology, exploring innovative ways to raise the bar on fuel economy and drivability. This joint work on hybrid software development shows great promise in helping us lead the development of more efficient hybrid systems for the future.”
– Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering

Tags: Flying Car, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Fuel Eff, fuel efficiency, hybrid, Technology

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Can You Hear Me Now? Ford Develops Vehicle-to-Grid Communications for Plug-In Hybrids

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Talk about your “conversation starters.” Ford has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its demonstration electric vehicles including plug-in hybrids that “talks” directly with the grid.

This new technology – which builds on Ford’s connectivity technology such as SYNC®, SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide and Ford Work Solutions™ – allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate.

All 21 of Ford’s fleet of plug-in hybrid Escapes will be equipped with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology for testing and to gather real world usage data. The first of the specially equipped plug-in hybrids has been delivered to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio. Ford’s other utility partners’ vehicles will also be equipped with the communications technology.

The intelligent interface

When plugged in, the battery systems of these specially equipped plug-in hybrids can communicate directly through wireless networking with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies. The owner uses the vehicle’s touch screen navigation interface and Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer to choose when the vehicle should recharge, for how long and at what utility rate.

For example, a vehicle owner could choose to accept a charge only during off-peak hours between midnight and 6 a.m. when electricity rates are cheaper, or when the grid is using only renewable energy such as wind or solar power.

Real-world research

Over the past two years, Ford and its energy industry partners have logged more than 75,000 miles on the plug-in hybrid test fleet – that’s the equivalent of driving around the world at the equator three times. The plug-in hybrid research focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.

Real-world usage and laboratory research is helping to accelerate the advancement of electrified vehicles. Ford and its research partners are now focusing on ways to make the recharging process easy and efficient for consumers. In addition to low-cost recharging at home through the use of a smart meter, Ford researchers say recharging away from home – whether at work, in a shopping mall parking lot or at a curbside station – needs to be as simple as plugging in and swiping a credit card.

Ford has previously announced it will launch 4 new electric vehicles within the next 3 years including;

Battery electric Transit Connect small commercial van in 2010
Battery electric Ford Focus in 2011
Next generation hybrid in 2012
Plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012

QUOTES

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

“We are designing what plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles will be capable of in the future. 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.”
– Greg Frenette, manager of Ford’s Battery Electric Vehicle Applications

“Broad commercialization of electric transportation is not something a car company can achieve on its own. Developing and producing the vehicles is just one part of the electric transportation equation. We are well on our way to delivering the vehicles, but for widespread adoption the infrastructure to support the technology needs to be in place and we need to ensure that the national electric grid can support increased electric demand.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies

“Ford’s involvement in the collaboration with EPRI and some of the nation’s leading utilities will help accelerate the pace leading to the commercialization of PHEVs. This type of joint effort between an auto manufacturer and utilities will permit a more seamless integration of electric-drive vehicles into the power grid and the transportation sector.”
– Arshad Mansoor, vice president of EPRI’s Power Delivery and Utilization Sector

Tags: Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford Technology, Ford Work Solutions, hybrid, PHEV, plug-in, SmartGauge, SYNC

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Ford on Board for Fleet Electrification

Friday, August 7th, 2009

Ford has been selected for two grants from the Department of Energy (DOE) under stimulus funding for the Fleet Electrification program. The program is designed to accelerate viable commercial volumes of electrified vehicles and vehicle to grid infrastructure development.

One grant, for $30 million dollars, will help fund Ford’s collaboration with utility partners across the nation – with an expansion of a vehicle demonstration and grid integration program.

In addition, Ford will receive a $62.7 million DOE grant for production of an electric-drive transaxle for its hybrid vehicles at the Ford Van Dyke transmission manufacturing facility in Sterling Heights, Mich. This grant will be matched by Ford.

Getting charged up
The DOE grants announced this week support Ford’s aggressive vehicle electrification strategy, which includes the introduction of battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and next-generation hybrids (HEV).

The vehicles include:

Ford Transit Connect BEV small commercial van in 2010
Ford Focus BEV passenger car in 2011
Next-generation hybrid in 2012
Plug-in hybrid in 2012

DOE grant funds also will support production of electric drive system components at Ford partner Magna, for the Ford Focus BEV as well as Johnson Controls, Inc. which will supply batteries for Ford’s plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

Power through partnerships
Commercialization of battery electric vehicles is a critical element for improving U.S. energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable transportation. It requires collaboration between automakers as the vehicle providers, utilities as the fuel providers and the government in support of advanced technologies for the mass market.

Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to partner with the utility industry in a shared effort to understand all of the issues related to PHEV technology and its interconnectivity with the electric grid.

Ford’s key utility partners include:

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Southern California Edison
New York Power Authority
Consolidated Edison of New York
American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio
Alabama Power of Birmingham, Ala.; and its parent, Atlanta-based Southern Company
Progress Energy of Raleigh, N.C.
DTE Energy of Detroit
National Grid of Waltham, Mass.
Pepco Holdings
New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, a state agency

Ford also has announced key collaborations with:

Smith Electric Vehicles, Europe’s leading battery electric commercial vehicle upfitter engaged by Ford to help bring the Transit Connect BEV, a small commercial van, to market in 2010
Magna International, the supplier jointly developing the Ford Focus BEV passenger car for 2011
Johnson Controls-Saft, the battery supplier for Ford’s first production PHEV coming to market in 2012

Quotes
“Broad commercialization of electric transportation is not something a car company can achieve on its own. Producing the vehicles is not enough to create a viable market. For widespread adoption, the infrastructure to support the technology needs to be in place, we need to ensure that the national electric grid can support increased electric demand by the vehicles, and we need to ensure that electrified vehicles provide a real value for consumers.”
– Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

Tags: BEV, electrification, Ford, Ford Motor Company, hybrid, PHEV, plug-in

Posted in A Year In Review: 2009, Ford and the Environment - text | No Comments »

FORD’S ACCELERATED BATTERY RESEARCH AND VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION PLANS

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

FORD’S ACCELERATED BATTERY RESEARCH DRIVES DEVELOPMENT OF VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION PLANS

One of the hurdles in the race to develop automotive Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems for high volume hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicle programs is improving the technology’s durability.

Ford’s advanced battery researchers are working with battery suppliers, utility companies and top-tier academic researchers to develop, test and validate high-powered battery systems that are durable enough to last the lifetime of a vehicle.

More Efficient, Less Costly
According to Ford’s advanced battery researchers’ recent findings, which were presented at SAE International’s 2009 World Congress this week, Li-ion battery systems:

Will be 5 percent more energy efficient than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in today’s hybrid electric vehicles, and;
Would be less costly than NiMH in large volumes – approximately 30 percent less expensive at an annual volume of 3 million hybrids

Adaptable Technology
The Li-ion battery packs that Ford will use in its hybrids and electric vehicles, are 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than NiMH batteries. That makes them easier to package in a vehicle. Unlike NiMH batteries, Li-ion can be tuned to increase power to boost acceleration, or to increase energy to extend driving distance.

Ford will use Li-ion battery systems to power:

a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010
a BEV passenger car developed jointly with Magna International by 2011
a Plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012

Unique Li-ion systems are in development for each type of vehicle, because the drive cycles of BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs have different types of battery storage and usage requirements.

Challenges Remain
The Li-ion battery needed for automotive use is expected to handle a multitude of vehicle operations under extremely hot and cold conditions, making thermal and safety management much more complex than that needed for batteries in consumer electronics, such as laptops.

Testing Underway
Ford is accelerating its research, development and testing of advanced Li-ion battery technology, thanks, in part, to a $55 million tax credit incentive from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Ford has engaged researchers at the University of Michigan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to conduct digital simulation tests, collecting degradation data that Ford and its battery suppliers have used to improve Li-ion performance.

In addition, Ford has entered into research partnerships with eight regional electrical utility companies to conduct real-world tests on Li-ion-powered Ford Escape PHEVs.

These vehicles:

Use a common household current (120 volts) for charging, with a full charge of the battery completed within six to eight hours
Can achieve up to 120 mpg when driven on surface streets for the first 30 miles following a full charge
Operate in two modes, electric drive and blended electric-engine drive
Run as a fuel-efficient standard Ford Escape Hybrid one the charge in the battery as been depleted

QUOTES

“Ford is strongly positioned to accelerate its electric vehicle strategy this year thanks to the significant research we’ve already completed. Our collaborative work with suppliers and partners will help us be one of the first automakers to bring the next generation of personal transportation to market.” – Susan Cischke, Group Vice President, Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

"Our PHEV fleet is a direct result of our Li-ion research, and the data mined from these field tests will provide crucial information as we make advances in battery technology.” – Ted Miller, Manager, Ford Energy Storage Strategy and Research

“The efforts of Ted Miller's team to reduce the cost and mass of Li-ion systems have been important to the research community at large. Their efforts are yielding improved Li-ion systems, and more knowledgeable workers.” – Ann Marie Sastry, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and
Director of the University of Michigan's Energy Systems Engineering Program

Tags: battery research, electrification, Ford, Ford Motor Company, hybrid, Li-ion, plug-in hybrid

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FORD PLUG-IN HYBRID ENERGIZES MEDIA AT ALABAMA EVENT

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

The scene at Barber Motorsports Park and Museum in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday, wasn’t the sort of engine-revving, tire-smoking event one normally sees in NASCAR country. But it was arguably more “electrifying.”

The media turned out in force at the venue to test drive the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which Alabama Power and its parent Southern Company is road testing in partnership with Ford. Representatives from the Electric Power Research Institute and the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition also participated in the event, which was followed on Tuesday by a “Green Fleet” event for Alabama Power and Southern Company employees.

Electric Companies Get Plugged in with Ford
Alabama Power is one of Ford’s several utility and research partners conducting real world road testing with the Escape PHEV. The other partners include:

Southern California Edison
New York Power Authority
Consolidated Edison of New York
American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio
Progress Energy of Raleigh, N.C.
DTE Energy of Detroit
National Grid of Waltham, Mass.
New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, a state agency

Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to partner with the utility industry in a shared effort to understand all of the issues related to PHEV technology and its interconnectivity with the electric grid.

The research into PHEVs focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage, and grid infrastructure. The utility companies also will explore the potential for stationary battery application and the value of energy storage.

The partnerships will help Ford accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International by 2011 and a PHEV by 2012.

Charging up tomorrow’s technology today
Drivers of the demonstration Ford Escape PHEV will make far fewer trips to the gas station. It uses common household current (120 volts) for charging, with a full charge of the battery completed within six to eight hours. When driven on surface streets for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg – roughly 4.5 times its traditional gas internal combustion engine-powered counterpart.

A fully charged Ford Escape PHEV operates in two modes, electric drive and blended electric/engine drive. It is not range-limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel-efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid.

Tags: Alabama Power, Ford Escape, hybrid, PHEV, plug-in, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

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Environmental Group Rates Ford Hybrids as ‘Greener Choices’

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

Environmental Group Rates 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Ranger as ‘Greener Choices’

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) announced its annual environmental scores for 2009 model year cars and trucks this week, listing Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Ranger on its “Greener Choices” list.

Greener Choices

According to ACEEE, “Greener Choices” are widely available gas-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. The 2009 Escape Hybrid, which earned a superior “green score” of 42, is rated for 34/31 miles per gallon in city/highway driving. The 2009 Ranger, which earned a “green score” of 33, is rated for 19/24 mpg. Both vehicles meet low emission standards.

More Top-Rated Vehicles

Additional 2009 Ford Motor Company vehicles received top ratings from ACEEE, including Mercury Mariner Hybrid, which offers the same fuel economy as the Escape Hybrid, and the Ford Ranger with a manual transmission, which gets 21/26 mpg. Top-rated “green” vehicles include cars and trucks that have high fuel economy and meet one of the stricter low-emission vehicle standards.

Tags: ACEEE, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Escape Hybrid, Ford, Ford Motor Company, green, hybrid, Ranger

Posted in Ford SUVs - text, Ford and the Environment - text | No Comments »

LEADER FOR QUALITY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PATENTS

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Study: Ford Ranked as Leader for Quality and Significance of Patents.

Ask any engineer and they’ll tell you that earning patents for technological innovation is no cakewalk, but getting recognized for their effort is sweet icing.

A new study by the world’s leading patent analyst, The Patent Board™, found that Ford Motor Company outperformed all other automakers in the quality and significance of its technology patents. That’s sweet news for Ford and its customers.

Technological innovation is a core value at Ford as the company drives for leadership in quality, safety, fuel efficiency and in-car connectivity. For example, the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, which is America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan, have 119 patents, a record for Ford.

High Scores in Two Categories

The Patent Board, which tracks and analyzes patents across 17 industries globally, recently issued its Top 10 Innovators in Automotive & Transportation Patent Scorecard™ for the fourth quarter of 2008, which ranks Ford above all other automakers in Research Intensity™ and Industry Impact™. Ford’s Research Intensity score, which is more than twice that of the industry average, indicates the extent to which its portfolio includes patents with strong scientific support.

Similarly, The Patent Board’s Industry Impact score measures the broader significance and impact of a company’s patent portfolio across the industry. This indicator analyzes how other patents build on Ford’s innovation by looking at patent-to-patent citations.

Proof of Patent Prowess

For the Fusion Hybrid, for example, teams of research scientists and engineers developed Ford-exclusive technologies that helped the vehicle achieve a certified 41 mpg in the city, 8 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Patents on the Fusion Hybrid pertain to technologies such as Ford’s new-generation hybrid powertrain and SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster that helps coach drivers to achieve better fuel efficiency.

Specific Fusion and Fusion Hybrid patents include:

Hybrid technology – The Fusion Hybrid’s powertrain system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The overall system upgrade allows the hybrid to operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. The city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – This unique instrument cluster helps coach Fusion Hybrid drivers on how to optimize performance of their vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency. It features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant mpg report.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert – Ford’s new Cross Traffic Alert feature will help warn drivers of impending traffic while backing out by using radars to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. Two warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded. The feature works in conjunction with Ford’s radar-based Blind Spot Information System, utilizing this system’s two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels – one per side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System – This industry-exclusive feature eliminates the need to touch dirty gas caps and helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog. When fueling is completed and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.

Tags: 2010 Fusion, BLIS, EasyFuel, Ford Fusion, hybrid, patents, SmartGauge

Posted in Ford Technology - text | No Comments »

PLUG-IN PARTICIPATES IN ‘PRESIDENTIAL’ PARADE

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Ford Plug-In Participates in ‘Presidential’ Parade

Ford Plug-In Participates in â��Presidentialâ�� Parade

A Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid took part in an all-plug-in parade in Santa Monica, Calif., Saturday, as part of the nation’s presidential inaugural festivities. The parade, which was organized by non-profit group Plug In America (PIA), aimed to energize public interest in the fuel-efficient vehicles and encourage President-Elect Barack Obama, congressional leaders and automakers to put more plug-ins on American roads.

Ford Motor Company’s plug-in vehicle research partner Southern California Edison (SCE) drove the parade vehicle. Ford and SCE, which has the nation’s largest and most advanced electric vehicle (EV) fleet, are exploring ways to make plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) more accessible and affordable to consumers, reduce petroleum-related emissions and explore standards needed for PHEVs to connect to the nation’s electricity grid.

Electrifying Development

The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a demonstration vehicle, uses high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, which could cut trips to the gas station by two thirds. The vehicle uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours.

When driven for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, because once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid – the most fuel efficient sport utility vehicle on the market. The transition is automatic and unnoticeable to the driver.

Plug-In Parade

At Plug In America’s “Inaugural Parade West: Plug In, America!”, the group’s co-founder Paul Scott congratulated Obama, who has called for one million plug-in cars by 2015, and encouraged the new president to accelerate his plug-in plan and to increase the number of vehicles to 10 million by 2016.

Joining the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid in the clean-car parade were more than 50 other all-electric vehicles, including demonstration models by Toyota, Tesla, Mitsubishi and several other vehicle makers.

Tags: hybrid, PIA, plug-in, presidential parade

Posted in Electrification, Ford SUVs - text, Ford and the Environment - text | No Comments »

Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide Coaches Drivers to Maximize Fuel Efficiency on New Hybrids

[ford.media.com: Press Release]

Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide gives hybrid owners a more-connected, fuel-efficient driving experience by coaching them on how to optimize performance of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids. SmartGauge uses two high-resolution, full-color LCD screens on either side of the speedometer to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward a driver for good fuel efficiency.

cnet Reviews - Car Tech: Ford gives hybrids green gauges

Edmunds - Green Car Advisor: Ford Device Will Aid Drivers of 2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan Hybrids Maximize Mileage

SGCarMart.com: Ford Introduces Information Cluster to Improve Fuel Economy

Tags: , EcoGuide, Ford Motor Company, fuel economy, fuel efficiency, green guages, hybrid, SmartGuage

Posted in 2008-text, Delivering Fuel Efficiency | No Comments »

FORD’S BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Saturday, January 5th, 2008

Technology migration path 2008 to 2020 and beyond

Ford Motor Company is committed to addressing the world's global warming and energy security challenges with a comprehensive strategy to accelerate and expand the use of advanced technologies across its entire product line in high volumes.

Ford's plan includes near-term, mid-term, and long-term technology implementation that benefits millions of customers without compromising their expectations for quality, safety and fuel economy. Ford begins its migration to advanced technology this year through 2012, fully implements known technology by 2020, and beyond that, Ford will be engaged in volume rollout of hybrid technologies and alternative energy sources.

Near term (2008 through 2012)

Launch of the EcoBoost engine technology, which combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection. The result is increased fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The 2009 Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle with the EcoBoost engine.

Broader application of 6-speed transmissions, including the introduction of a new fuel-saving twin-clutch transmission that delivers the fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.

Electric power-assisted steering systems which minimize parasitic losses of the engine, applied in about 90 percent of Ford vehicles.

Aerodynamic improvements through better design and wind tunnel optimization.

New hybrid models.

Increased unibody-construction for utility vehicles.

Diesel engines introduced on light-duty vehicles.

Mid and long-term (2012 through 2020)

Vehicle body weight reductions of 250-750 pounds through platform efficiencies and greater use of aluminum and high-strength steel.

Additional hybrid offerings.

Aggressive development on biofuel-capable powertrains, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO, outlines Ford's blueprint for sustainability during a keynote in Los Angeles in this audio clip

[audio:http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/wp-content/themes/SMPR/environment/mulally_la_autoshow.mp3]

Tags: 2009 Lincoln MKS, EcoBoost, EcoBoost engine, engine technology, Ford blueprint for sustainability, fuel economy, global warming, hybrid, hybrid technologies, sustainability, Turbocharging

Posted in Ford and the Environment - text | No Comments »

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