Ford Motor Co. and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced collaboration to help prepare the state of New York for the operation of electric vehicles.
Ford and NYPA will work together to develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support the necessary demand.
The collaboration between Ford and NYPA was announced during Ford’s “Charging Into the Future Electric Vehicle Tour,” which visited New York City on Monday. The 14-city tour, which kicked off at Portland State University in Portland, Ore. in August, promotes Ford’s electric vehicle strategy and educates consumers about what to expect from electrified automobiles and what is needed from the public and private sector to support this new technology.
Cooperation between Ford and NYPA also involves working with the state and local governments on the most efficient ways to bring EVs to New York. Ford and NYPA are working together to educate fleet owners about their options when it comes to electric vehicles, with NYPA holding a ride-and-drive event at its White Plains administrative office building on Tuesday. The event will provide attendees an opportunity to learn more about what to expect from electric vehicles and what is being done to support them with the right infrastructure. There will also be an opportunity to drive the Ford Transit Connect Electric, Focus Battery Electric Vehicle and prototype Escape Plug-in Electric.
Since 1995, NYPA has helped put on New York State roads more than 1,200 electric-drive vehicles that have driven more than 11 million miles. Under its Electric Transportation Program, the Power Authority leverages its funds in helping to arrange for other government grants in support of the acquisition by public entities of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. They’ve included vans, buses, trucks, passenger cars and work vehicles.
The collaboration between Ford and the New York Power Authority builds on an existing partnership involving the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Program. The program, which began nearly two years ago, has generated real world experience with these advanced technology vehicles by using them in real world driving situations.
Over the next two years, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, the Ford Focus Electric passenger car, two third generation lithium-ion battery hybrids (2012) and a plug-in hybrid (2012).
