Driving Competitiveness with the Electric Car

One of the biggest challenges in the energy discussion is how to implement sustainable practices while staying economically competitive. The auto industry in America is especially sensitive to these concerns. Now auto manufacturers are turning to energy solutions to help the planet and themselves.

Ford Motor Company announced today that it is developing a system that will let electric cars talk to the energy grid, so that owners can charge their cars efficiently and not overpower the grid. In other words, they’re ensuring that their energy consumption is sustainable.

The nation’s second-largest automaker released details of a two-year collaboration with about a dozen utility companies as well as the Department of Energy on the design of a system that allows car owners to control when they charge vehicles and for how long.

Owners can choose to recharge at off-peak times when electricity is cheaper, or when wind, solar or renewable energy is driving the grid, said Nancy Gioia, director of Ford’s sustainable mobility technologies division. "What we’re doing is developing our capability."

In other auto industry news, Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm wrote a column for the Huffington Post about Michigan’s future in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, which power electric cars:

Developing new technologies is expensive. That’s why a partnership between the public and private sectors was necessary, why state tax credits and DOE grants were crucial. It brings down the initial cost of the technology and makes it feasible to develop. It’s a seeding process. Now we’re going to see battery plants sprout up throughout Michigan.

By working together with businesses, the government, and technology leaders, Michigan is at the forefront of technological breakthroughs that will keep American manufacturing strong while using sustainable energy practices. When companies are responsible and innovative about energy, they keep our economy and our planet moving forward.

What breakthrough technologies do other industries need to incorporate to become more sustainable?

— Matthew Faraci

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