Understanding Home Charging of Your Electric Vehicle

Ford Motor Company, Gresham Ford and Best Buy have partnered to offer a convenient 240 volt home charging solution for electrified vehicles.  This unique collaboration allows the Focus Electric and plug-in hybrid buyers to purchase a Ford approved home charging station through the Best Buy Geek Squad.  Gresham Ford is happy to partner with such an active member of the local Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, like Gresham Best Buy.

The Geek Squad from Best Buy works with each Ford Electric Vehicle buyer to choose the right charging station for their home.  This process provides Ford Electric Vehicle customers across the northwest with easy access single point of contact from initial inspection to the final installation.

Click Here to see the pre-questionnaire to evaluate your home charging station preparation needs.  There are three easy steps to charging station installation.  The first step is to contact the Best Buy Geek Squad at 1-888-219-6747 to request your personal Garage Site Survey.    Approximately 3 days after completion of the Garage Site Survey, a Geek Squad third-party electrical contractor will provide the customer with an installation quote for their approval.  Once the customer has accepted the quote, the electrical contractor will schedule an installation appointment, secure the necessary local permits and perform the installation.  Customers can always contact the Best Buy Geek Squad in the event of any issues post installation.  Geek Squad's third-party electrical contractor will provide one year limited service warranty with post-purchase support provided free of charge for the first year.  After one year, the customer can still call the Geek Squad for service related questions, but fees may be charged for service calls.

The facts about home charging - Check with your local utility companies if you are considering becoming an electric vehicle owner.  Some local utilities throughout the northwest are teaming up with Electric Vehicle Oregon Ford Dealerships like Gresham Ford to help inform EV buyers about outfitting their home with the proper metering equipment and rate plan to safely and efficiently charge their electric vehicle.  Electric Vehicle buyers are encouraged to contact their utility company. like PGE, in order to properly configure their home.  Plug In Electric Vehicles allow buyers to take advantage of special rates plans and incentives offered by your local electric utility.

It is important to contact your local utility when you purchase an electric vehicle.  The utility company is the new fuel provider who can offer added expertise and answer all of your power and plug in questions.  The utility company will have the latest power supply information.  PGE may offer cost-effective rates and perform checks to ensure grid reliability for your electric vehicle.  There are also incentive for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment smart meter installation if you choose to not utilize the Best Buy Geek Squad.

Gresham Ford Fleet is excited to bring alternative fuel technology to the northwest and is happy to answer any and all of your questions.  It's important to have a resource and support when you purchase an electric vehicle - let Gresham Ford Fleet be your resource.

Gresham Ford Fleet now offers an expanded offering of eco-friendly materials

The 2012 Ford Explorer features soy foam in seat cushions and seat backs.  The bio-based polyurethane foam will be one of the new eco-friendly features in the Ford Explorer available at Gresham Ford.

Gresham Ford Fleet has been serving the fleet needs of the northwest since 1932.  "The new Ford Explorer delivers fuel economy 25 percent better than the 2010 model as well as sustainable materials like soy foam seat cushions and other eco-friendly features we will detail soon,"  said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager for Ford cars and cross over vehicles.  "Customers will be pleasantly surprised they can get all these new features without having to sacrifice the capability, utility or safety they want for their families and adventures."

The Portland area is known for being environmentally conscience and Gresham Ford is proud to be one of the Oregon Ford Dealers offering new Ford vehicles with green technology.  The addition of soy foam in the Explorer expands Ford Motor Company's commitment to using more sustainable materials in all of its vehicles.  By year's end, nearly 100 percent of Ford's line up will feature eco-friendly materials.

Soy foam has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by mo9re than 3 million pounds, and is up to 24 percent more renewable than petroleum based foam.  The use of soy foam also has helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 11 million pounds as the bio-material provides a 67 percent reduction in volatile organic compound emissions.

Gresham Ford is environmentally aware and was the first Gresham Oregon auto dealer to be awarded green certification through the City of Gresham's GREAT business program that helps identify and transform any business into a green one!

2012 Focus Electric for Oregon & SW Washington

Go Just About Anywhere Gas-Free

Zero gas. Zero oil.  Zero CO2 emissions. 100% FUN!  You won't have to give up the fun of driving with an all-new 2012 Focus Electric.  This five-passenger vehicle drives much like a gas-powered Focus - but gives you a best-in-class citing rating of 110 MPGe* and a best-in-class driving range of 76 miles.** What you will have to give up are stops at the gas station, CO2 emissions, oil, power steering fluid, tailpipes and well you get the picture.  *EPA estimated 110 city/ 99hwy/ 105 combined MPGe.  MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure oil gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.  Class is small electric cars.  **EPA estimated.  Actual mileage will vary.  Class is small Electric Cars.  Gresham Ford Fleet is excited to offer this product on the National Joint Powers Alliance Alternative Fuel Vehicle Contract that offers FREE membership to municipalities and public agencies throughout the nation.

Maximize your range from your pocket.  The unique MyFord Mobile application lets you monitor and schedule your Focus Electric charging, find charging stations and estimate the amount of CO2 emissions saved based on your driving style.  You can even use it to precondition your vehicle to be at a comfortable temperature when you start.  MyFord Mobile subscription is complimentary for 5 years.  Subscription fees apply after 5 years.

Eco-conscious meets style-conscious.  In Focus Electric, the styling is just as important as the materials used in the designs.  Because while it feels good to own this car, it can feel even better to sit in and drive it.  The cloth fabric for example is made with REPREVE fiber, produced from 100% recycled materials.  Additionally, the cushions are made of bio-based foam derived from plant seed oils.  Inside and out, Focus Electric makes a big impression while trying to leave a small carbon footprint.

Connecting your world is just a starting point.  A new EV-specific SYNC with MyFord Touch system fives you a brilliant interface to keep you in top of battery charge, distance to your next charging point and more.  You can also monitor the power collected from regenerative braking - it can capture more than 90 percent of the braking energy normally lost through friction brakes, then recycles it to help recharge the battery.  Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control.  Regenerative braking is just one of the technologies that make the Electric Focus a true leap in automotive technologies.

Natural Gas Alternative Fuel Systems for Ford E-Series Vans

Ford Motor Company has partnered with Leggett & Platt to offer Natural Gas conversions for vans and work trucks.  These alternative fuel conversions save on fuel costs when compared to traditional gasoline or diesel.  Whereas bio-diesel leaves residue and can clog your mechanical inner workings natural gas burns clean and actually reduces you maintenance costs as well.  Natural Gas, also known as CNG trucks and Vans also reduce C02 emissions and well as our collective dependence on foreign oil.  Because Ford Motor Company has invented into the Alternative Fuel Vehicle sector they have also taken the time to certify companies like Leggett & Platt as Quality Vehicle Modifiers or QVM's.  This certification process ensures greater confidence and customer service.  Landirenzo USA provide3s a 3 year and 50,000 mile warranty and supports service and maintenance through Ford dealerships nationwide.   These Natural Gas Conversions are FMVSS 303 and 304 compliant as well as being EPA and CARB certified.  Call Gresham Ford Fleet at 503-665-0101 for more information about the certifications necessary in your neck of the woods.  These CNG vans and CNG trucks have the longest range GGE capability with standard under body tank system.  

Compressed natural gas (CNG) can fuel everything than gasoline and diesel can.  School buses, airport shuttles and many electricians and HVAC companies have already converted to a Ford Natural Gas work truck or van. Fleets of all sizes are saving money on fuel and reducing emission levels. Since CNG is a cleaner fuel than diesel or gasoline, engine wear and maintenance is also reduced, allowing a vehicle to last longer.

With the same power as gasoline or diesel fuel, CNG can also be used in transit buses, semitrucks, school buses, waste disposal trucks and delivery vehicles without compromising power or performance. Currently, one of every five new transit buses in America is fueled by natural gas, and a natural gas-powered school bus can displace 1,400 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Currently, there are more than 2,500 CNG buses in school districts across the country.  At more than $2 cheaper than gasoline many fleets are turning heads to learn more about this Alternative Fuel Conversion trend.  

Commercial vehicles travel a significantly greater number of miles per year than private vehicles that travel an average of 12,000 to 15,000 per year.  Municipalities can experience sometime 100,000 miles a year on police cars and other high mileage positions.  Compressed Natural Gas's popularity and presence in the media recently has done wonders to increase the number of fleet converting.  Ford Motor Company has separated themselves from the other major manufacturers by offering a superior level of customer service and support throughout the life of every alternative fuel vehicle.  Gresham Ford Fleet has continued these standards as the Northwest Preferred Fleet Ford Dealership.  

Gresham Ford Fleet currently holds the National Joint Powers Alliance contract for Alternative Fuel Cars, SUVs, and CUVs.  The NJPA offers FREE membership to non-profit agencies and municipalities - contact Gresham Ford Fleet for more information.  

Ford Fusion Hybrid is now available thru National Joint Powers Alliance Free Membership

The National Joint Powers Alliance has competitively bid nationally to leverage the absolute best pricing for city state and county municipalities.  Membership is FREE, what do you have to lose?

Just one of the Alternative Fuel Vehicles offered by the government auto sales division of Gresham Ford Fleet is the Ford Fusion Hybrid.  This hybrid car is on the cutting edge of technology, both under the hood and inside the vehicle.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid operates from a 275V sealed nickel-metal hydride battery that is recharged through the regenerative four-wheel disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) system.  The ability to capture the energy that otherwise would be lost through heat due to the friction of the brakes is at the heart of the Ford Fusion Hybrids reduction of fuel and carbon emissions.  The 2.5L I-4 Atkinson Electric motor is a permanent magnet coupled with a front wheel drive power train.  The steering, rack-and-pinion — Electric Power-Assisted (EPAS) with drift control, makes driving this hybrid car a breeze.  The front suspension has both Short- and Long-Arm (SLA) suspension while the rear suspension is an independent multilink system.  The standard tires provided on a Ford Fusion Hybrid are P225/50RVR17 all-season tires.  The Ford Motor Company hybrid transmission showcases the Aisin Powersplit electronically controlled Continuously Variable (eCVT) technology that extends the power band.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Interior Space

The real heart of the Ford Motor Company Fusion Hybrid is the net hybrid system horsepower is 191 @ 65 mph (combined output of the gasoline engine and electric traction motor) and torque output is 136 @ 2250 rpm.  The midsize sedan hybrid was designed specifically to operate at peak fuel efficiency, delivering an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city.  The Fusion uses a “5-stroke” combustion process that is more efficient than a conventional 4-stroke gasoline engine.  The 4-valve-per-cylinder design slightly delays intake valve closing, significantly increasing the gasoline engine’s energy conversion efficiency, producing more mileage out of each gallon of gasoline.  If the Hybrid batter becomes fully charges and the vehicle is not in need of any additional power the vehicle shuts off when it is not needed to significantly reduce both emissions and fuel consumption.  The intake-Variable Cam Timing (i-VCT) allows the camshafts to operate the intake valves at different times in the combustion cycle, based on speed and load. It adjusts the timing for maximum performance and efficiency in any driving conditions, whether you are stop and go in the city or traveling highway speeds.  The Ford Fusion's wide-band lambda sensor analyzes the air/fuel ratio and adjusts the fuel delivery to help minimize emissions and the electronic Throttle Control, also known as “drive by wire,” uses electronic sensors to operate the throttle to again maximize fuel economy.  The symmetric runner exhaust manifold maximizes exhaust flow.  You never have to worry about the Ford Fusion recovering from a long drive; it quickly restarts, seamlessly and virtually undetectable to passengers, when the need for additional power is detected.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Electronic Display

Gresham Ford Fleet offers the complete line of Ford Commercial Vehicles and associated products.  Our holistic approach and dedication to customer service has made us the Preferred NW Ford Fleet Dealership.  If your municipality is considering an alternative fuel conversion and want to go green, contact Gresham Ford Fleet to get your customized Fleet Conversion Report.

Gresham Ford is also a proud member of the Willamette Columbia Clean Cities Coalition and recommends that every company and municipality that takes the environmental impact of their business seriously should join.

Gresham Ford Fleet gets plugged into alternative fuel vehicles

2013 Ford Focus Electric Available thru Gresham Ford

Are you plugged in?  Now is the time to learn about Ford electrified vehicles.  Gresham Ford Fleet can answer all of your questions about the wide range of no-compromise solutions for everyone who is interested in excellent fuel economy and reducing their carbon footprint.

Ford Motor Company has committed to an electrical vehicle strategy that includes lots of choices.  The most important part of the comprehensive electrical vehicle strategy is the unique position Ford Fleet has carved out in the commercial vehicle marketplace.  Ford Fleet has worked hard to develop the latest technologies that provide lots of choices in order to fit every customers specific needs.  Because an electric car does no good if its underutilized.  This electric vehicle strategy is known as the Power of Choice.

Order Your Focus Electric with Gresham Ford

A hybrid vehicle is one that is powered in part by a gasoline engine and partly by a battery powered electric motor.  The two systems work together, so there is never a need to plug in.  This technology works wonderful in situations that demand lots of stop and go driving.  For most low speed or short distance driving the hybrid will runs on battery power alone.  When the Atkinson engine vehicle stops the energy that was once wasted is captured and stored in the battery of the vehicle.  At higher speeds the gasoline engine automatically kick in and takes over when more power is needed.  The battery  is recharged by the gasoline engine, and also by a regenerative braking system that captures over 90% of the braking energy normally lost to heat due to the friction created by the braking system.  Ford currently offers the Ford Fusion Hybrid.  The Ford Escape Hybrid has been discontinued because the new Eco-Boost engine will get even better gas mileage and a smaller carbon footprint.  Also keep you eyes open for the introduction of the all new Ford C-Max later this year.  The C-Max will offer two different engine configurations in order to provide even more choice to America.

Plug-In Hybrid vehicles are also a choice that operates like a traditional hybrid vehicle.  The difference is the addition of a charge port and lithium-ion battery pack that is larger than the nickel metal hydride battery used in current hybrids.  When a plug-in hybrid is fully charged the vehicle will operate in pure electric mode until the battery is depleted.  At the point that the plug-in hybrid vehicles battery is depleted then it will switch back to traditional hybrid mode using the engine and regenerative braking to charge the battery pack.  The has engine may come on under certain conditions additionally like heavy acceleration or at higher speeds.  The benefits include a greater range in full electric mode that a full hybrid, which helps to greatly reduce fuel consumption and in turn the carbon footprint.  When considering all of the recent infrastructure updates that have been made to public building like the Portland airport, or City of Gresham City Hall or IKEA and Fred Meyers, you realize how many options you have to charge your plug-in hybrid vehicle around Oregon and Washington.  The commercial applications for the plug-in hybrid vehicle is enormous.  Because of the bi-fuel options there is never a need to be concerned about distance between chargings.  If your employee forgets to charge the vehicle you do not need to be concerned about detrimental effects to logistics.

Gresham Ford Fleet will also be offering all electric vehicles.  These vehicles run completely by battery power and does not use a single drop of gasoline.  The all-electric motor, charging port and high voltage lithium-ion battery pack.  Regenerative braking also aids in charging the vehicle.  Again this regenerative braking technology helps to capture over 90% of energy that would have been lost in heat due to the friction of the brakes.  The power train provides 100% CO2 free driving and will give the Focus Electric an mpg equivalent competitive with other electric vehicles in the market.

Gresham Ford proudly serves the greater Portland area

Ford will be piloting the all new 2013 Ford Focus Electric first in LA and New York, while Oregon and specifically the Portland area will be part of the second phrase of the roll out occurring in the 4th quarter of 2013. These cities have been chosen based on factors such as hybrid purchasing history, customer demographics state emission laws and utility company collaboration.

Gresham Ford Fleet 503-665-0101

Alternative Fuel Systems Offered by Ford Motor Company

Alternative Fuel Developers for Ford Motor Company

With gas prices increasing noticeably before our eyes, more fleets are choosing to take the plunge and convert their fleet and choose an alternative fuel Ford product.  Depending on existing infrastructure, prices of propane, and natural gas are substantially less than gasoline or diesel.  The Department of Energy in concert with divisions of the Clean Cities Coalitions are walking municipalities through the process of fleet conversion.  Making your fleet green can be easy and rewarding.

Over the last year, a number of manufacturers, kitmakers if you will, have gone through the approval process with Ford Motor Company, much as Roush , LandiRenzo and BAF had already done previously.  And while established, recognized businesses in the industry have joined in the network of kitmakers offering viable alternative solutions, the first three are still developing engine kits for more of the Ford line of vehicles.  This market seems to be changing almost week-to-week, which will be a challenge for us to keep with their purchasing rules.

2011 Roush Propane Powered F150

Ford is working with a number of developers and installers.  Developers create the engine calibration complete the on-dynamometer calibration testing, comply with all Ford engineering requirements and develop a vehicle component package.  Some developers are also installers.  A tremendous investment of time and resources is required to develop and test each vehicle package.  The chart below lists developers and QVM-qualified vehicle engine packages.  Refer to the Fleet website, www.fleet.ford.com for new product capabilities and modifiers as they are added.