As Ford gears up for the launch of its electric version of its Focus model and the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012, it is working with a number of US cities and regions to prepare them for the imminent EV revolution.
The car maker is working with a growing list of metropolitan areas that are stepping up their EV preparations and infrastructure, including: Atlanta; Hartford, Conn; Raleigh, N.C; Austin, Texas; Honolulu; Richmond, Va; Baltimore; Houston; Sacramento, Calif; Boston; Indianapolis; San Diego; Charlotte, N.C; Los Angeles; San Francisco Bay Area; Chicago; New York; Seattle; Dallas; Orlando, Fla; Washington, D.C.; Denver; Phoenix; Detroit and Portland, Ore.
Ahead of the release of its first electric models, the firm is working with these areas over key actions including urban planning to optimise public/commercial EV charge locations and consumer support to encourage off-peak charging to reduce pressure on the existing electric infrastructure.
“As more and more electric vehicles come to market, it’s incredibly important that cities develop action plans including infrastructure development and permitting solutions to ensure these vehicles are a viable solution for citizens,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford’s manager of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “Ford continues outreach with cities across the country to spread best practices and work with multiple partners including local utilities, auto manufacturers, technology companies and others to support a successful integration of electric vehicles.”
Ford’s measures for the electrification of the US are also supported by the approaches some cities are taking independently to encourage EV use. For example, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia are looking into opportunities to promote travel between the cities by electric vehicle. Additionally, each city is hiring an electric vehicle policy coordinator to help improve efficiency of the permitting processes.
Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy. The car maker plans the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013.
