Anxiety high on agenda

Ford will use smart systems to build drivers' confidence in the usability of its electric cars.

Speaking at this week's Detroit electric vehicle media workshop, Ford's Electrified Vehicle Planning Manager Chris Pick (pictured) detailed smart range-defining systems as a key component in giving electric and plug-in hybrid car drivers the confidence to purchase and use their cars.

Though Pick studiously avoided using the term range anxiety in his initial presentation, he conceded it was a major stumbling block in the acceptance and appropriate utilization of electric vehicles.

"It's [range anxiety] the most significant behavior change we face," Pick stated manner of factly.

"No customer going into a showroom today, with a very, very small number of exceptions, has driven a battery electric vehicle on a frequent basis. There are lots of reports and discussion out there [but] until customers have had real world experience and there are an aggregated number of users, it's going to continue to be a significant concern for customers," he said.

Pick says Ford will use high-spec versions of it's MyFordTouch onboard infotainment and information system to empower users of its electric cars.

"[Range Anxiety] is part of the reason we have put so much emphasis into our [battery electric vehicle and plug-in hybrids] Human Machine Interface [controls] and into our ability to communicate the right information to the customer in the way they want to get it.

"And to be able to communicate that information to them wherever they are -- whether they are in their car or outside of the car. [This will] Give them confidence so that as they gain confidence in their charge surplus they can alleviate some of that range anxiety and understand with as much detail as possible the best way to take advantage of their vehicle."

In addition to coaching functions that will encourage drivers to drive economically and properly exploit the cars' regenerative braking systems, Ford's green vehicles will use data such as vehicle position and distance to nearby charging stations to calculate and display "surplus" driving range.

Pick says driver confidence will be especially important in multiple-vehicle families or fleets where the driver has a choice of operating a conventionally engined car or EV.

The MyFord Touch systems will be standard in an estimated 80 per cent of Ford models (electric, hybrid and conventional) in the USA over the next five years or so. The system is powered by software developed in conjunction with computer giant Microsoft. In conventionally powered vehicles the system delivers simple functions such as climate control but also packs voice activated entertainment and navigation systems as well as wifi internet connectivity.

In addition to the normal onboard functions, the system will also deliver data on electric and plug-in hybrid models' status remotely.

As well as checking on charge levels and charging rates, the drivers of Ford's highest tech models will even be able to precondition the vehicles' cabins while still plugged into the grid. This reduces the load on the electric air-conditioning and heating systems used in the vehicles thus limiting their impact of EV range.

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