Smart hybrid knows just when to call for power

Ford in the United States has developed an intelligent communications and control system for its plug-in electric vehicles that "talks" directly with the electric grid.

It lets the vehicle owner programme when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what tariff. For example, it could be charged only during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, or when the grid is using renewable energy.

Since 2007 Ford and its research partners in the power industry have conducted more than 120,000km of plug-in hybrid testing.

Ford plans to introduce a battery powered Transit Connect van next year, an electric Focus in 2011 and the following year a pair of plug-in hybrid electrics.

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

When plugged in, the battery systems of specially equipped Escape SUV plug-in hybrids used in the test can communicate directly with the electrical grid through wireless networking. The owner is able to use the vehicle's touch-screen navigation interface and Ford's Work Solutions in-dash computer to choose when the vehicle should recharge, for how long and at what tariff.

"Broad commercialisation of electric transportation is not something a car company can achieve on its own," said Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of sustainable mobility tech-nologies.

"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."

Ford says plug-in hybrids offer several benefits, including:

* Reduced dependency on petroleum and increased energy independence.

* Reduced environmental impact through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

* Increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, for vehicle recharging.

* Potential savings for owners of energy/fuel costs.

Two years ago, Ford announced a partnership with Southern California Edison to explore ways to make plug-in hybrids more accessible to consumers, reduce petroleum-related emissions and understand issues related to connectivity between vehicles and the electric grid.

Since then, Ford and Electric Power Research Institute, an independent non-profit organisation, have expanded the partnership, with a three-year plan to develop and evaluate technical approaches for integrating plug-in hybrids into America's electric grid system.

Ford plans to invest nearly US$14 billion ($20 billion) in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years, retooling its plants more quickly to produce fuel-efficient vehicles and help meet tougher fuel economy requirements.