Ford Motor Co. and its utility partners, including Southern California Edison, American Electric Power (AEP), Consolidated Edison of New York and others, are testing a proprietary communications and control system that enables electric vehicles to interface with the power grid.
The new technology – which builds on Ford's SYNC, SmartGauge and Ford Work Solutions products – allows consumers to program when to recharge their vehicles, for how long and at what utility rate. Ford says the first of the specially equipped plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) has been delivered to AEP, adding that all of its plug-in hybrids will eventually be equipped with the system.
When plugged in, the battery systems of these plug-in hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. Ford says its plug-in hybrid research focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.
SOURCE: Ford Motor Co.
