Microsoft, Ford Unveil Electric Car Plans, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

by Nicholas Kolakowski

A covered Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sits on stage before the joint Ford and Microsoft announcement March 31, ahead of the first official day of the New York International Auto Show.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally says the partnership with Microsoft is part of an initiative to make customers’ interactions with the utility grid “more efficient.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discusses Hohm’s uses in relation to electric cars and utility companies.

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will, like an increasing number of Ford vehicles, incorporate the Microsoft-designed SmartGauge and EcoGuide technology, which use a dashboard screen to display the car’s energy efficiency.

Ford has been working on creating hybrids that offer a smooth transition between gas-powered and electric modes while driving.

Ford claims that the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will be 50 percent more energy-efficient than comparably sized luxury vehicles.

Running purely on its electrical battery, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will be able to reach speeds of 47 miles per hour.

In theory, Hohm would tell drivers of Ford’s electric cars the best time to plug their vehicles into the home grid for recharging.

Data from Hohm could also be used by utility companies to determine how to best deal with the extra load placed by electric vehicles on the electric grid.

Ford plans to bring five new hybrid vehicles to market by 2012, and focus more on incorporating electricity into its cars’ propulsion systems.