As it aims to advance its lithium-ion battery systems for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, Ford has gone wireless.
The company is leveraging the internet and wireless technology to test and refine the systems. Engineers will now collect real-time performance data from batteries in the lab and vehicles on the field using an internet server while wirelessly updating system software to manage thermal load and maximise energy capacity, power capabilities and lifecycle durability.
These methods have helped Ford to slash test-fleet downtime and double its battery lab testing capabilities.
Now system specific engineers can be informed via email whenever software update opportunities occur using an adaptive event monitoring that detects conditions of interest and collects relevant data. According to Ford, this system has already led to at least 20 major design improvements in its vehicles.
Ford is currently scheduled to introduce two all electric vehicles – the Transit Connect Electric in North America in late 2010 and in Europe in 2011; and the Ford Focus Electric in North America in 2011 and in Europe in 2012. It will also look to introduce two hybrid electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2012 and 2013.
