Ford Motor Company has announced the development of an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for PHEVs.

“When plugged in, the battery systems of these specially equipped plug-in hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. 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.” Source: Ford

This is cool! Seriously cool. If you get home from work, it may still be during the utility company’s peak usage hours. Instead of plugging it in and paying a premium or hoping you remember to plug it in during off-peak hours, you will be able to plug your vehicle in and then it automatically starts charging at a set time. Convenient!

Ford currently has a fleet of 21 plug-in hybrid Escapes. All 21 of these vehicles will eventually have this communications technology installed.

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Filed Under: Ford, PHEV

Vrooooom.

The 403 horsepower Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) took a lap around the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

The vehicle reached 100 mph and used zero gasoline! The vehicle has a zero to 60 time of six seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. The vehicle can also achieve more than 100 mpg, according to the manufacturers. There are currently no vehicles with a 100 mpg fuel efficiency rating from the EPA but General Motors is hoping to have the first one with its 230 mpg Chevy Volt.

“The Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator coupled to a traditional but efficient 260hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine.” Source: PR Newswire

Fisker recently received $85 million in venture capital, has expanded its retailer network, and was a finalist for the Green Car Vision Award.

Photo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.

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Filed Under: Luxury Hybrids, PHEV