Ford and Oncor Team up to Prepare North Texas for Electric Vehicles

DALLAS, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford and Oncor 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 customers' needs.

• Cooperation between Ford and Oncor also includes working with state and local officials on the most efficient ways to bring EVs to north Texas.

• 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).

• Ford is working with utilities across the country to educate consumers about what to expect from electrified automobiles and what is needed from the public and private sector to support this new technology. Dallas is the fourth stop on Ford's "Charging Into the Future Tour."

Ford Motor Company and Oncor today announced they are coordinating efforts to help prepare North Texas for the operation of electric vehicles. Ford and Oncor 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.  

"Over the next two years, Ford plans on bringing five new electrified vehicles to market including the Transit Connect Electric later this year and the Focus battery electric in late 2011," said Nancy Gioia, Global Director of Electrification, Ford Motor Company. "We know there is an incredible excitement for electric vehicles in the North Texas area and across the country. To support the roll out and acceptance of these vehicles, it is crucial to work with local utilities, like Oncor, to make sure the necessary infrastructure is ready."

Cooperation between Ford and Oncor also involves working with the state and local governments on the most efficient ways to bring EVs to North Texas. Oncor has already installed more than a million of its 3.4 million smart meters, providing information to help customers charge vehicles when rates are lowest. Oncor will also build about 850 miles of new transmission lines from Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) in West Texas to the rest of the state by 2013, enabling electric vehicles to be powered from clean, renewable domestic sources.

"Oncor's investment in new infrastructure from smart meters to CREZ lines makes Texas the best place in the world for plug-in electric cars," said Bob Shapard, Chief Executive Officer of Oncor. "Our preparation now will help curb drivers' emissions, improving air quality, and will reduce the need for power plants to charge these vehicles."

The collaboration between Ford and Oncor was announced during Ford's "Charging Into the Future Electric Vehicle Tour." The 14-city tour, which kicked off at Portland State University in Portland, Ore. last month, 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.

The Dallas event also ties into the region's Electric Vehicles North Texas Initiative led by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.  The initiative was developed to coordinate collaboration with utility companies, regional governments, school districts, transit authorities and local businesses in an effort to develop a plan that prepares North Texas for the transition to plug-in electric vehicles.

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).

The Dallas event also ties into the region's Electric Vehicles North Texas Initiative led by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.  The initiative was developed to coordinate collaboration with utility companies, regional governments, school districts, transit authorities and local businesses in an effort to develop a plan that prepares North Texas for the transition to plug-in electric vehicles.

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 (NYSE: F): 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 Oncor: Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor") is a regulated electricity distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to more than 3 million homes and businesses and operating approximately 117,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company