Ford on Board for Fleet Electrification

Ford has been selected for two grants from the Department of Energy (DOE) under stimulus funding for the Fleet Electrification program. The program is designed to accelerate viable commercial volumes of electrified vehicles and vehicle to grid infrastructure development.

One grant, for $30 million dollars, will help fund Ford’s collaboration with utility partners across the nation – with an expansion of a vehicle demonstration and grid integration program.

In addition, Ford will receive a $62.7 million DOE grant for production of an electric-drive transaxle for its hybrid vehicles at the Ford Van Dyke transmission manufacturing facility in Sterling Heights, Mich. This grant will be matched by Ford.

Getting charged up

The DOE grants announced this week support Ford’s aggressive vehicle electrification strategy, which includes the introduction of battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and next-generation hybrids (HEV).

The vehicles include:

• Ford Transit Connect BEV small commercial van in 2010
• Ford Focus BEV passenger car in 2011
• Next-generation hybrid in 2012
• Plug-in hybrid in 2012

DOE grant funds also will support production of electric drive system components at Ford partner Magna, for the Ford Focus BEV as well as Johnson Controls, Inc. which will supply batteries for Ford’s plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

Power through partnerships

Commercialization of battery electric vehicles is a critical element for improving U.S. energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable transportation. It requires collaboration between automakers as the vehicle providers, utilities as the fuel providers and the government in support of advanced technologies for the mass market.

Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to partner with the utility industry in a shared effort to understand all of the issues related to PHEV technology and its interconnectivity with the electric grid.

Ford’s key utility partners include:

• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
• Southern California Edison
• New York Power Authority
• Consolidated Edison of New York
• American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio
• Alabama Power of Birmingham, Ala.; and its parent, Atlanta-based Southern Company
• Progress Energy of Raleigh, N.C.
• DTE Energy of Detroit
• National Grid of Waltham, Mass.
• Pepco Holdings
• New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, a state agency

Ford also has announced key collaborations with:

• Smith Electric Vehicles, Europe’s leading battery electric commercial vehicle upfitter engaged by Ford to help bring the Transit Connect BEV, a small commercial van, to market in 2010
• Magna International, the supplier jointly developing the Ford Focus BEV passenger car for 2011
• Johnson Controls-Saft, the battery supplier for Ford’s first production PHEV coming to market in 2012

QUOTES

“Broad commercialization of electric transportation is not something a car company can achieve on its own. Producing the vehicles is not enough to create a viable market. For widespread adoption, the infrastructure to support the technology needs to be in place, we need to ensure that the national electric grid can support increased electric demand by the vehicles, and we need to ensure that electrified vehicles provide a real value for consumers.”
– Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

The Hybridfest Green Drive Expo recently rolled through Madison, Wis., and sponsor Ford Motor Company was at the wheel to demonstrate its hybrid vehicle lineup, including the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape Hybrids and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.

How They Did It

During the event, which took place at the Alliant Energy Center, Ford hosted a special session called “How Did They Do That?” – an in-depth look at how the company developed the Fusion Hybrid to attain its segment-leading 41 mpg city fuel economy. Ford’s Praveen Cherian, team leader on the Fusion Hybrid program, offered his insights about the advanced technology that went into Ford’s newest hybrid. It was a chance to teach to and learn from hybrid enthusiasts who had gathered in Madison to talk about their passion for hybrids and fuel economy as a way of saving money and reducing their environmental footprint.

In addition, renowned hypermiler Wayne Gerdes spoke about how he and the Fusion Hybrid team squeezed 1,445 miles out of a single tank of gas, averaging 81 mpg earlier this year in Washington, D.C. Gerdes offered tips on fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as using gradual acceleration and coasting.

People’s Choice Winner

Hybridfest guests got the chance to drive Ford and Mercury hybrids and learn how to use Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide technology to get the most out of every gallon of gas. For Ford’s efforts, attendees named the company the People’s Choice winner.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Ford’s Sustainability program and its plans to introduce a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van for 2010, a BEV Focus for 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.

QUOTE

“We went to Hybridfest more to listen than to sell our product. This resonated very well with the audiences who interestingly have a lot to say about their cars and obsession with fuel economy. These folks are not your average drivers. They are a very special group of eco-enthusiasts and cherish being in the company of each other and sharing their experiences. The people we talked to genuinely seemed very happy to see Ford take a leadership role with hybrid technology as evidenced in the Fusion Hybrid. They’re happy to see a domestic automaker offering more hybrids, and I think they want us to succeed.”
– Praveen Cherian, Ford Fusion Hybrid team leader

Wildlife habitats and manufacturing facilities might seem like natural-born enemies, but thanks to the efforts of the folks at Ford Motor Company’s Romeo Engine Plant, the factory and its neighboring flora and fauna are living in harmony. For its efforts, the Southeast Michigan factory has earned a Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Award from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for the work it has done with the Wildlife Habitat Council and the Macomb Orchard Trail.

Working for Wildlife

Romeo Engine Plant, which has been a “Wildlife at Work” site, certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council since 1999, has worked to preserve and protect the natural resources surrounding the facility and provide places where the community can enjoy opportunities for recreation and refreshment.

Romeo Engine Plant, which produces a variety of engines, including flex fuel engines, covers 126 acres, with the surrounding 141 acres of land consisting of wetland, forest and grassland areas. Its wildlife team focuses on plant community management, bird population monitoring and environmental awareness. In an effort to attract native birds and create a natural setting near the manufacturing facility, employees planted numerous trees and set up and maintain nest boxes for bluebirds and screech owls.

Orchard Trail Effort Bears Fruit

Romeo Engine Plant’s wildlife team is working with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development on the development of the trail at the north end of the plant property. The Macomb Orchard Trail is a non-motorized path that will provide users with a safe transportation and exercise route through central and northern Macomb County. At a length of more than 23 miles it will be the largest hike/bike path in the county, and one of the largest in southeast Michigan. This 236 acre linear park will serve as an important connection between local communities and the surrounding area. Locally, it will connect people to parklands, downtowns, businesses, schools, residences, and open spaces. Regionally, it will provide a connection from St. Clair County to Oakland County, and on a state-wide basis, the trail system will ultimately span from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan.

Ford provided two grants throughout the development of the Macomb County Trail, which were used to build an observation platform and fishing pier at East Pond Creek – a certified trout stream. Ford also provided an opportunity for interns from the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Michigan – Dearborn to improve their skills by working with Romeo Engine Plant and the Macomb County Office of Planning and Economic Development to develop the trail. The interns also helped develop an ecologically friendly berm to the north of the Romeo Engine Plant, which improved aesthetics for users of the trail.

Cleaning and Greening

To promote habitat awareness and active participation, Romeo Engine Plant’s wildlife team organizes an annual tree sale and plant exchange. The team also coordinates recycling events and clean-up days with the surrounding community. To celebrate Earth Day 2006, the plant Human Resources Department, in conjunction with Ford’s Hands on Diversity Project, organized a voluntary construction of employee gardens at the site, with hostas, bulbs and annuals enlivening a previously barren area.

In 2008, Romeo Engine Plant also conducted an Earth Day Clean Up, did spring and winter bird counts, and cleaned a portion of East Pond Creek near the plant.

QUOTES

“We are gratified that Romeo Engine Plant is able to help protect the environment where it operates. Every year Ford Motor Company employees volunteer generously of their time and energy to help reduce environmental impact while promoting sustainability. The Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Award highlights Romeo Engine Plant’s achievements and challenges others to play a similar role in their communities.”
– Andy Hobbs, Director, Environmental Quality Office, Ford Motor Company

“Romeo Engine Plant understands the importance of being a Neighborhood Environmental Partner with the diverse area surrounding our plant. Romeo Engine Plant employees have been involved closely in many efforts to sustain this diverse ecology with our neighbors and have enjoyed working with the Wildlife Habitat Council and The Department of Planning and Economic Development of Macomb County.”
– Shaun Whitehead, Romeo Engine Plant manager, Ford Motor Company

“I have personally experienced the benefits of working with the Ford facility as the fiduciary of an environmental grant. The construction of a rest station and small fishing pier along the Macomb Orchard Trail was made possible due to the financial support and commitment of the plant’s staff.”
– Gerard P. Santoro, AICP, Senior Planner, Department of Planning
and Economic Development, Macomb County, Michigan

“Romeo Engine Plant’s Wildlife at Work program represents a full ten years of commitment to land stewardship and support for native species, which is a remarkable achievement. The plant’s wildlife team puts a premium on community involvement, with tree sales, plant exchanges and educational opportunities. Ford’s Romeo Engine Plant is indeed a good neighbor to local wildlife.”
– Martha Gruelle, Director, Huron to Erie Waterways
for Wildlife Project, Wildlife Habitat Council