Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Ford Developing Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles and Furthering the Nation’s Infrastrcture

Ford Motor Company has announced an agreement with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop plug-in hybrid technology with the goal of integrating plug-in capabilities within the nation’s infrastructure. Currently, a lack of widespread electric plug-in facilities is one of the main hindrances to widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Through this collaboration, Ford is testing the Ford Escape PHEVs, and will also include actual customers in testing. Ford currently has been working with Southern California Edison and has explored regional issues involving the effect of PHEVs to the electric grid system. Through this relationship, Ford is the first manufacturer to partner with the utility industry to help research and advance electric vehicle technology, which is important as more interest in alternative fuels is rampant among Ford's customers, as noted by Ford Salem Ohio. This is truly a sign of Ford’s interest and commitment to making hybrid and electric technology a top priority.

By combining its efforts with the utility sector, Ford hopes to accelerate adoption and development of electric fueling centers and to help better prepare the nation for these vehicles. Ford dealers across the country are excited about the prospects of having more fuel efficient offerings such Ford Riverside to address increasing consumer interest in greener cars from Ford. The testing will include 20 specially built Ford Escape PHEVs that will be used in the Los Angeles region.

Plug-in electric technology shows great promise to reduce fuel consumption and curb inflating costs for consumers. Although providing the infrastructure and resources to support such vehicles remains in its infancy, the development of such vehicles will provide benefits to consumers and the environment.

The technical information that Ford hopes to achieve from these studies should give a jump start to both utility companies and manufactures that hope these vehicles become a reality sooner rather than later to help get electric powered cars to customers at Ford Salina Kansas and other dealers across the country. Lowering fuel costs to the consumer and providing a lower cost alternative fuel are attractive for the electricity sector, automakers, and for consumers alike.

With Ford, the EPRI, and SCE teaming up to address a serious speed bump in the way of plug-in electric technology, serious progress can finally be made to make the widespread adoption of this technology a reality, causing us to see more Ford Escape PHEVs and other electric-powered vehicles on the road in the near future.

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