Microsoft has a new partner for its Hohm software: Ford Motor Co. The two companies are pairing up to outfit Ford’s electric vehicles with Hohm’s energy management tools.
The partnership will allow the EV drivers to charge their cars in a more affordable and responsible way, lessening the strain on the grid during peak hours and allowing the utilities to better cope with the demands of EVs as they become more commonplace. Smart grid tools are necessary for electric cars to be successful, so integrating this type of energy management software right into the car is a great step by Ford.
The software will be installed in future all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from Ford, beginning with the all-electric Ford Focus in 2011. Ford and Microsoft will also be working with individual utilities and cities to bring together what they’re calling the “entire energy ecosystem.”
via GreenBiz