Ford Motor Co., Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power – a provider of integrated power-management and energy-storage systems for use in renewable energy and micro-grid applications – are teaming to establish solar power generation systems and electric-vehicle charging stations at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500 kW solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750 kW energy-storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy by using batteries.
Renewable energy generated by the solar energy system will help power production of Ford's new Focus and Focus Electric cars, as well as its hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The systems are projected to save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs.
Ford also will install 10 electric-vehicle charging stations at Michigan Assembly to demonstrate advanced battery-charging technologies using renewable energy and other smart grid advances. The stations will be used to recharge electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities.
SOURCE: Ford Motor Co.
