Ford Takes Green Technology To Another Level

I just returned from visiting Ford headquarters and attending NAIAS in Detroit thanks to Ford and Clever Girls Collective. I was surprised about the technology that Ford has integrated in their cars with a green initiative. Green technology is in demand and all the car makers are looking into the all electric models. Ford introduces their take on green technology and honestly, after seeing what the competition has to offer, Ford blew them out of the water in terms of ease, access, and being user friendly.

Something women are usually interested in is the bottom line. Not necessarily what it takes to work, but how it makes their life easier, how user friendly the new technology is and if they have to take the time out to learn something new. Ford has definitely taken all of this into consideration when creating their all electric Fiesta and Focus.

The all-new Ford Focus Electric features MyFord Touch™ with unique features providing easy-to-understand information about range, destinations and charge points, enabling owners to plan their travels without compromising the fun of the drive. MyFord Touch allows drivers to customize their Ford Focus Electric vehicle experience through MyView to best fit their preferences and the needs of that day’s particular drive. Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in North America in late 2011 and Europe in 2012, is Ford’s first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car.

I learned about the new cars and features I felt that most women are looking for when choosing an electric car. First the starting price is very reasonable. The price points for the electric cars are similar to those that are not electric. Earlier models of hybrids have been exceptionally higher than non hybrid cars. I saw on a morning show once that some of the hybrids were not even worth the extra money because of the price point. After about 5 years you would not even save money considering gas pricing and the higher vehicle cost. For some consumers there was no point in purchasing the hybrid model. With the all electric models the price points are so similar you are saving money once you drive off the lot.

The ease of recharging the new all electric models of the Focus is another great feature. Ford has partnered with retailers like Best Buy to install charging stations in your garage. I am unsure of the price points for that service as of yet. I do know you will get a tax credit to install one. However if you do not install your personal charging stations you can still charge at locations that will be set up charging points around town like at McDonalds and even dealerships.

Ford has also utilized smartphones to help you manage and charge your all electric car. With their free app you can start charging, check charge levels, and even have notifications when your car is charged to certain levels. Another great feature is that the app will tell you when the best time of day to charge is so you will save the most money.

I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.