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

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