Ford Has A Huge, Honking Renewable Energy Trick Up Its Sleeve
Ford & Renewable Energy: Why Tennessee?
One highlight of Ford’s EV manufacturing plans is the new $5.6 billion BlueOval City manufacturing campus in Tennessee. Paired with two new SK battery plants in Kentucky, the venture was introduced in 2021 with a renewable energy angle consisting of locally sourced geothermal, solar, and wind power.
What did Ford know that nobody else knew? Aside from purchasing renewable energy from clean power projects located in other states, Ford may have been talking to the US Department of Energy, which has been pursuing new technologies to make geothermal energy and wind energy more accessible across different regions.
Renewable Energy Beyond BlueOval City
Ford’s interest in renewable energy goes back long before the unveiling of the BlueOval City plans. In 2011, for example, the company was experimenting with a new solar energy storage system, deploying the remaining capacity of used EV batteries.
The Vehicle-To-Grid Angle
The allure of inexpensive electricity rates could help more drivers make the switch to 100% electric drive. That means making more low-cost renewable energy available for more drivers. To gild the green lily, Ford also aims to attract drivers with the added benefit of deploying their EV battery to power their homes or businesses with renewable energy. The company has already been pursuing the clean power storage angle through the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck.
Incentivizing Renewable Energy For EV Charging
To put the power of low electricity rates in the hands of EV drivers, ChargeScape is focusing on home charging, where the US Department of Energy calculates that 80% of EV drivers charge up. The partners explain that ChargeScape’s technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G).
Conclusion
Ford is taking a crucial step in reducing the overall carbon footprint of its factories in Michigan, and further, in addressing the significant emissions associated with the product in use. The Vehicle-To-Grid Angle with ChargeScape has enormous potential in driving the adoption of renewable energy across the automotive supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the significance of the Tennessee location for Ford’s renewable energy plans?
The state of Tennessee provides a strategic location for Ford’s manufacturing campus, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) utility’s slow but notable progress in the clean power area facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources.
* What does Ford’s focus on ChargeScape and Vehicle-To-Grid technology entail?
Ford is developing ChargeScape, a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) platform in partnership with BMW and Honda, aimed at making more low-cost renewable energy available for drivers and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
