Ford announced collaboration with and Houston-based electric company CenterPoint Energy and Austin Energy on a program to educate customers about electric cars.
The companies plan to share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical infrastructure can support demand.
They will also develop ways to minimize emissions by using renewable resources and encourage more efficient use of household electricity.
Ford, CenterPoint Energy and Austin Energy also plan to work with state and local officials around permitting and regulations to support electric car infrastructure. An easy charging station permitting process is considered one of the keys to electric car acceptance in the Houston and Austin area, Texas and across the country.
Ford plans to introduce electric versions of the Transit Connect commercial van and the Ford Focus in the next year. It also plans to introduce a plug-in gas-electric hybrid in 2012.
