Ford is preparing to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012. Pasadena Texas Ford Dealer says that in an effort to ensure the success of these highly-anticipated models, Ford is working with cities and utility partners around the U.S. to identify key infrastructure building blocks that will enable metropolitan areas to be EV-ready.
Many cities around the country already foresee an electrified future and are taking a variety of steps to ready their communities for electric vehicle use and customer installation. According to Portales NM Ford, Ford specifically has identified several actions that will help facilitate this process, including:
- Utility rate structure that encourages “off-peak” or nighttime EV charging to minimize demand on the existing electric grid
- Streamlined permitting and inspection process to support customer and commercial EV infrastructure installation
- Integrated advisory committees that include participation from electric utilities, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, municipalities, EV customers and local coalitions
- Urban planning approach to optimize public/commercial EV charge locations
- Infrastructure incentives to offset a portion of customer costs for hardware/installation
Milford OH used Ford dealer said that although infrastructure development is a large task, Ford says it’s encouraged by the specialized approaches that some cities are taking to support EVs. Boston, New York City and Philadelphia, for example, are looking into opportunities to promote travel between the cities via electric vehicles.
“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.”
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