Ford tests vehicle-to-grid communications system
20 Aug 2009
One of the industry's first vehicle-to-electric grid communications and control systems, is currently being tested by Ford and its utility partners.
Building on Ford's advancements such as SYNC®, SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide and Ford Work SolutionsTM, the new technology enables plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to interface with the grid for optimal recharging, allowing the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate.
According to Ford's executive chairman, Bill Ford, electric vehicles were an important element of their strategy for improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. He considered the vehicle-to-grid communication technology as an important step in the journey toward the widespread commercialisation of electric vehicles.
Ford plans to equip all 21 of its plug-in hybrid Escapes with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology. The first one delivered went to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio.
Plugged in, the battery systems of these hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. Using the vehicle's touch screen navigation interface and Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer, the owner can choose recharging time, duration and utility rate. For instance, a vehicle owner could choose to accept a charge only during off-peak hours, or when the grid is using only renewable energy such as wind or solar power.
Logging more than 75 000 miles over the past two years on the plug-in hybrid test fleet, Ford and its energy industry partners focused on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.
However, Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies, pointed out that developing and producing the vehicles is just one part of the electric transportation equation. Widespread adoption requires that the infrastructure to support the technology be in place and the national electric grid must be able to support increased electric demand.
Furthermore, recharging vehicles at work, in parking lots or curbside stations must be as hassle-free for the vehicle owner as recharging at home. Ford plans to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years, retooling its US plants more quickly to produce fuel-efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel economy requirements.