Ford and Microsoft Join Forces to Develop Energy Management Application for Electric Vehicles

Ford Motor Company and software giant Microsoft Corporation are collaborating to create a new energy management application for electric vehicles. The application, Microsoft Hohm, is designed to help electric vehicle owners recharge their cars efficiently and affordably while also assisting utility companies in managing the increased demand on the power grid. This partnership aims to make electric vehicle ownership easier and more cost-effective, aligning with the companies' shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

The Microsoft Hohm application will provide electric vehicle owners with details of their energy use patterns and recommend ways to improve them through smart recharging practices.
The application is currently available for free to all residential customers in the US and will be integrated into Ford's Focus Electric model next year.
Ford plans to launch five new electric cars by 2013, including the Transit Connect Electric later this year.
The growth of electric vehicles is expected to have a significant impact on energy demand, and utility companies will need to better manage the increased demands on the electric grid.
The collaboration between Ford and Microsoft has already resulted in the development of an advanced in-car connectivity system, SYNC, which integrates mobile phone and data network capabilities for innovative communication and entertainment systems.
Household consumption of electricity is likely to double due to recharging of electric vehicles, leading consumers to reevaluate their outlook on personal transportation and energy use.

Statistics:

The Microsoft Hohm application will help electric vehicle owners reduce the cost of recharging by providing personalized energy use patterns and smart recharging recommendations.
Ford plans to launch five new electric cars by 2013, with the Transit Connect Electric joining the lineup later this year.
The US electric vehicle market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, with a doubling of household electricity consumption due to recharging demands.
Utility companies will need to develop better tools to manage expected changes in energy demand due to electric vehicle recharging.

Sources:

Ford Motor Company and Microsoft Corporation announcement at the 2010 New York auto show.
Quote from Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally.
Quote from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
"Fast Company names Ford among top 10 most innovative mobile tech companies" (http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_f/Ford_Motor/20100220_mobile_tech_oneView.html)