Living the Electric Lifestyle

To help drivers make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and get the most out of their EVs, we are offering more than just the vehicle. We are delivering a total electric-vehicle lifestyle. In the U.S., for example, our EVs have advanced in-vehicle communications that help drivers maximize the efficiency and range of their vehicles, find charging stations along their planned routes, and know exactly how far they can go until the next charge based on their own driving style. We have also enabled drivers to link their smartphones to our vehicles so that they can control charging and other in-vehicle operations remotely. And, we have developed a comprehensive approach to vehicle charging that makes charging fast, easy, affordable and environmentally friendly. Our goal is to deliver electric vehicles that are as engaging, easy to use and empowering as other forms of consumer electronics like smartphones. Our “Plug Into Ford” website provides customers with an in-depth look at how to make the most of the electric-vehicle lifestyle.

Enhanced In-Vehicle Information through SYNC® with MyFord Touch® and Smart Gauge® with EcoGuide

We designed our battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to provide more range at full charge than most Americans will use each day. But we know that, at least initially, driving range between charges will be an important factor for consumers. So we have designed in-vehicle communications to make on-board energy management a rewarding and fun part of the ownership experience.

In several regions, including the U.S., our electric vehicles include an enhanced version of SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s driver interface technology – that includes next-generation Smart Gauge® with EcoGuide. Smart Gauge with EcoGuide gives drivers real-time feedback on the efficiency of their driving habits and tips on driving more efficiently. The system also helps drivers plan the most environmentally responsible route and manage the battery-recharge process. For example, the system can provide vehicle data such as the electrical demands of vehicle accessories – including air conditioning, which influences the electric driving range. It also provides information on the battery’s state of charge, distance to charge points, “energy budget” and expected range surplus.

The system even analyzes individual driving styles, as well as climate control and other options, to provide tailored information about range and remaining charge. Drivers who drive slowly and smoothly can get an increased range out of their car than those who drive more aggressively. The Focus Electric continuously analyzes a driver’s style, recalculates range and distance to required charge, and shows how driving behavior affects the vehicle’s energy budget. The vehicle recognizes drivers by their key fobs so that the data provided takes into account their unique driving style. The system can also coach drivers on how to drive more efficiently to maximize their electric driving range.

The system also includes a trip-planner feature to help drivers plan their trip based on the available battery range and the location of charging stations. The trip-planning system integrates information about driving style and the driving efficiency “coach” to help drivers go farther on their remaining charge by maximizing regenerative braking, turning down the air conditioning or other efficient driving actions.

The Focus Electric’s in-vehicle information is also customizable. For example, information can be viewed in three different modes: Energy Budget, which shows the remaining charge; Range, which shows the distance to the next required charge point; and Surplus View, which shows drivers how much energy or range they are saving by using different options and driving efficiently. The system also uses a variety of simple graphics like an energy “budget cup” and surplus energy “butterflies” that make it easy for drivers to quickly interpret information.

Finally, Smart Gauge also includes EV+, a program that learns drivers’ frequent destinations and adjusts how the electric power stored in the vehicle’s high-voltage battery is used to power the vehicle. If EV+ determines the vehicle is within a radius of 1/8 mile, or 200 meters, of a frequent stop, the vehicle has increased capability to stay in electric-only mode, the internal combustion engine stays off, and an “EV+” light appears on the dashboard, further reducing fuel use.

Remote Control with MyFord Mobile™

Drivers in the U.S. and Canada can manage their Ford Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi remotely using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile™ app. This app allows drivers to locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors using their smartphone. On our electric vehicles, the MyFord Mobile app provides a suite of additional remote communications. Working with MapQuest, for example, the MyFord Mobile app can find the location of a charge station on the driver’s smartphone and send that location to the Focus Electric using the Traffic, Directions and Information program in the Ford SYNC system. For the Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi, the MyFord Mobile app uses PlugShare to provide users with the most comprehensive database of public charging stations; it includes reviews, photos and station locations from crowd sourcing as well as location and availability information from charge-station providers in the U.S. and Canada. Drivers can also get instant vehicle status information, monitor the car’s state of charge and current range, receive alerts when it requires charging, remotely program charge settings and review vehicle data for analysis – all using their smartphone or the MyFord Mobile website. All of the vehicle’s screens and control panels are integrated into the MyFord Mobile app’s smartphone display, so that drivers can move seamlessly from their car to their phone displays.

The MyFord Mobile app also allows drivers to program their vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in. This “preconditioning” of the vehicle’s temperature is a key strategy drivers can use to maximize their driving range.

The MyFord Mobile app for EVs also adds a social element. Through PlugShare, drivers can compare their driving efficiency to that of friends and other EV drivers through seamless connections to popular social platforms like Facebook and Twitter. In addition, the system gives drivers virtual awards and badges for improvements in driving efficiency.

The remote vehicle monitoring and management features of MyFord Mobile were honored with the Innovation Design and Engineering Award at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show; they also won the 2013 IxDA (Interaction Design Association) Interaction Award for Optimizing category, which honors technologies that make daily activities more efficient.

For more information, see the MyFord Mobile features video demonstration.

Fast, Flexible and Easy Charging

Charging is one of the most important changes drivers have to get used to with a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). We have gone to great lengths to make our charging systems fast, easy and economical.

The Focus Electric uses a 6.6 kW charger, which enables an at-home charge time of four hours when using a 240 V charge station installed in the customer’s garage. The 6.6 kW charger also allows drivers to get more range out of “quick stop” charging during the course of their driving day. The Focus Electric can get approximately 30 miles of range per “charge hour,” while our C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi can get approximately 15 miles per charge hour with their 3.3 kW charge port.

In the U.S., Ford EV drivers can also customize their charging preferences. Drivers can choose the times when their car is charged up and ready to go and set a charging schedule that dictates when the charging starts and stops to meet those needs. They can also control vehicle charging using Value Charging, a system that sets up charging times based on when utility rates are lowest in their area. With Value Charging, customers can reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or other reduced utility rates without a complicated setup process. Customers can thus “set it and forget it,” knowing their vehicle will only charge when utility rates are at their lowest. Ford electric vehicles are the first to work with this charge management system. And, our faster charge times make it easier to get a complete charge within the time periods of the lowest utility rates. Our system also sends vehicle owners reminders if their vehicle is not plugged in for a programmed charge time or if their vehicle is unplugged or stops charging unexpectedly during charging.

We are also making charging easier with an easy-to-read “light ring” around the charge port. When the plug is connected, the light loops around the port twice to acknowledge charge initiation. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges, where each quadrant lit represents 25 percent of the battery’s state of charge. Flashing quadrants signify that the charge is in progress. When the ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged. Drivers can also find out their vehicle’s state of charge by pressing a button on their key fob; in response, the light ring indicates the amount of charge by lighting the appropriate number of segments of the “light ring.”

Similar to our “power of choice” approach to providing customers a range of fuel-efficient and advanced technology vehicle options, we also offer drivers a range of choices for charging their BEV or PHEV. In the U.S., our recently refined process gives drivers the choice of two charging station installation methods. Customers can opt to just purchase the charging station and install it themselves or use an electrician of their choice. Or, customers can choose a full installation option, in which installation services are provided through an experienced national network of electricians who handle every aspect, from site survey to completed installation. With the full installation option, charging stations can be installed in as quickly as one day, at a time and date selected by the customer.¹ The customer can use either a website or call center (1.888.219.6747) to schedule and track their purchase and installation. In Europe, we offer a similar service through a relationship with Schneider Electric. Electric vehicle buyers will be registered online at the dealership for a consultation to determine the appropriate installation based on their home electrical system.