Ford and N.Y. Power Authority Team Up to Prepare New York for Electric Vehicles

Ford Motor Company and the New York Power Authority have announced they are coordinating efforts 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.

“Ford plans on bringing five new electrified vehicles to market over the next two years including the Transit Connect Electric later this year and the Focus battery electric in late 2011,” said Sherif Marakby, Director of Electrification Programs and Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “We know there is an incredible excitement for electric vehicles in the New York area and across the country. To support the rollout and acceptance of these vehicles, it is crucial to work with utilities, like NYPA, to make sure the necessary infrastructure is ready.”

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.

“The Power Authority is a leader in helping to introduce electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in the New York Metropolitan Area and other parts of the state,” said NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel. “These electric-drive vehicles are essential to improving energy efficiency, energy security and air quality, and for growing jobs for the economy. For all of these reasons, we’re teaming with automobile manufacturers, local and state governments and others to promote wider use of these vehicles, beginning with government vehicle fleets. Ford’s new electrified vehicle models will certainly contribute to the efforts.”

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).

These vehicles will achieve breakthrough efficiency; some, like the pure battery electric vehicles Ford Transit Connect Electric and Ford Focus Electric, will use no gasoline at all.

Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy that includes a range of fuel efficient and alternative fuel technologies including EcoBoost engines, six speed transmissions, power assisted steering, aerodynamic improvements and light weighting materials. Ford’s electrification strategy also leverages the most fuel-efficient powertrains, the most technically competent hybrids and our global vehicle platforms in order to develop affordable choices for consumers.

About Ford Motor Company: Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About NYPA: The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. It is the nation’s largest state public power organization, with 17 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. Nearly 80 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower. Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs. For more information visit www.nypa.gov.