Ford and Microsoft together on electric drive

Ford and Microsoft announced that they will be working together in order to make electric vehicle ownership easier and more affordable for consumers. Together they want to lead the way towards a more energy-efficient future.

The two companies will be implementing Microsoft Hohm™ energy management application on Ford’s electric vehicles, with the Focus Electric being the first to use it. This application helps owners determine the best time and way to most efficiently and affordably recharge battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.

“Ford and Microsoft both share a strong commitment to contributing to a better world. Today, we begin the next major step in our working together and leading the way for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability,” said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO. “For Ford, this is a needed step in the development of the infrastructure that will make electric vehicles viable.”

Ford and Microsoft agree that to catch the consumers’ interest in electric vehicles an effective management of the energy ecosystem is critical. With the first electric vehicles arriving to the market at the end of the year there will be a significant impact on energy demand.

“Electric vehicles will play an important role in the global effort to improve energy efficiency and address the issues of climate change and sustainability,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “But as the market for electric vehicles expands, it will have a significant impact on home energy consumption and demand across the nation’s energy grid. With Microsoft Hohm, Ford and Microsoft will deliver a solution that will make it easier for car owners to make smart decisions about the most affordable and efficient ways to recharge electric vehicles, while giving utilities better tools for managing the expected changes in energy demand.”

The introduction of the Hohm application is also part of Ford’s electrification plan, which intends to launch five new electrified vehicles on the road in North America and Europe by 2013.