.jpg)
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2009 – The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Ford Motor Company a $10 million grant for research, development and demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Ford received the grant for the continued development of a demonstration fleet of 20 PHEVs. The total project cost is $20 million; the government will fund $10 million, or 50 percent, of the program.
Who:The DOE's overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States and to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission. The DOE supports research and development of PHEVs as part of its Vehicle Technologies Program.
What: In June, Ford delivered the first flexible fuel capable plug-in hybrid electric SUV to the Department of Energy. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, capable of running on gasoline or E85, is part of the demonstration fleet Ford is developing in partnership with Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute and Johnson Controls-Saft.
When: Advanced vehicle testing is under way today on vehicles in California, Michigan and Washington, D.C. Ford delivered the first gasoline-only Escape PHEV to Southern California Edison in December 2007.
Why: Based on current estimates, the vehicle would emit 60 percent less CO2 than a conventional gasoline powered vehicle. The CO2 reduction would reach 90 percent if cellulosic ethanol is used in place of gasoline. “As a leader in both hybrid and flexible fuel technology, Ford is well positioned to bring the two together in a plug-in vehicle,” said Nancy Gioia, director of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “With plug-in hybrids, we have the potential to significantly change our transportation and energy future.”
# # #
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 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.