Ford Launches Zero-Carbon Electric Vehicle Home Charging Initiative in California
Ford EV and plug-in hybrid customers in California now have a new way to lower their carbon footprint when charging their vehicles at home.
All major automakers are making a big push into the world of electric vehicles. The EV and plug-in hybrid are the future of the automotive world and internal combustion is on the way out. The Ford Motor Company is making a massive investment in new electric vehicles. In addition, they are cleaning up how the vehicles are produced. The idea is to make the cars and trucks and the factories where they are built to have as little impact on the planet as possible. Today they announced another step in the pursuit of a lower carbon footprint world.
“Ford is choosing to participate in the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to offer customers a new way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change by matching the use of electricity used to charge plug-in electric vehicles at home with 100 percent local renewable energy.” Any California customer with electric or plug-in hybrid Ford vehicle is eligible to take part. So, if you live in the Golden State and own a Mustang Mach-E, the E-Transit, or the Escape Plug-In Hybrid you can take part. In 2022 the F-150 Lightning will be added to the roster of eligible vehicles.
How Does it Work?
There are just four simple steps to a cleaner environment. First, owners of eligible vehicles can easily opt into the program by using the FordPass app. Once enrolled, the FordPass app will automatically track the amount of electricity that is used while charging at home. Then Ford will generate or purchase an equivalent amount of California-sourced Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), an EPA-recognized program that records the generation and usage of green energy. Finally, Ford will send evidence of the matching amounts to CARB. This will ensure that all home plug-in charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity.
Why is Ford Doing This?
“Ford’s electric vehicle customers are beginning to realize all the possibilities associated with their vehicles and sustainable energy management,” said Matt Stover, director of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. “By working with regulators, utilities and customers for home integration services, we’re enabling EV drivers to lower their carbon footprints, potentially save money and help protect the grid, all through their smartphones.” Ford is investing $30 billion in electric vehicles and batteries through 2025. In addition, they hope to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2050. Ford is expecting about half of its global vehicle volume to be fully electric by 2030. Check your calendar. 2030 is not that far away, so these are aggressive goals.
Charging programs such as the one Ford announced today will be vital to getting us to lower carbon emissions. We expect to see programs like this expanding in the near future. This is a great first step. Hopefully all eligible owners take advantage of this plan. This is a rare opportunity to be part of something that has no downside. Well done Ford.
Images: Ford
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