It is widely known that Ford Motor Company plans to offer a full line of Ford Plug In hybrid vehicles during the next two years. The aggressive plan will introduce several new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in 2012. Some of the vehicles will include the Transit Connect commercial van and the Ford Focus.

Earlier this year, Ford was approved for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program by the U.S. Department of Energy. The automaker is also collaborating with 10 utility companies including the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The green partnership with the Department of Energy will also help Ford retool its plans to produce fuel efficient vehicles that meet new requirements.

Ford Plug In Advanced Technology

Ford also plans to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles during the next seven years. As I said, this is a very aggressive plan that is committed to further develop technologies for better fuel efficiency and emissions. This plan will evaluate technical approaches for integrating PHEVs into the electric grid.

Hybrid Cars - Plug In cars, also known as extended range vehicles, have a gas-assist engine that acts like a traditional full hybrid. Charging the car can take place while decelerating and braking. However, the technologies are not yet competitive due primarily to the high cost of advanced batteries.

The automakers, including Ford, are in a race to attract as many buyers they can. This race also brings new competition that will increase demands for the high priced batteries. The demand will eventually reduce the price of auto battery packs.

Electric Utility Companies - Ford is teaming up with utility companies to prepare for new electricity loads not seen before. For example, electric companies in many areas are not ready for such a load of everyone in a single neighborhood charging their cars. In some areas, utilities are already preparing for a new “smart” charging service.

This service encourages home owners to charge their PHEV’s during the night and not during peak-load times. The estimated cost for charging a vehicle is $1 per day. For many commuters, this is a bargain in comparison to gas prices.

It does seem as if future cars are heading towards plug In solutions. Ford will launch two pure battery electric vehicles (BEV) during the next two years. The BEV Transit Connect will be available in 2010 and the BEV Focus will launch in 2011.

Escape PHEV Sport Utility - Ford is already working on a three-year program to test the new Ford Escape PHEV. This will be a PHEV SUV capable of charging from a standard home 110 volt or 220 volt outlet. The vehicle will probably become one of the most popular Ford plug In hybrids available.  [Source: Newsoxy.com]