Ford Focus Electric brings a spark to Portland

The 2013 Ford Focus Electric has arrived in Portland Oregon and is available at all Electric Ford Certified Dealerships.  The Focus Electric Battery is a 23-kWh advanced liquid-heated and -cooled lithium-ion (Li-ion).  Even though it is an electric car it still has 4-wheel disc brakes.  You can also identify the Electric Focus from other Ford Focus vehicles by the chart port light ring (120- or 240-volt capable) with a SAEJ1772 connector.  The Ford Focus Electric comes standard with a 6.6-kW electric on board charger with a charging cord that has a 120-volt-capability.  The sole source of power for driving the Focus Electric is the electric engine which means you have truly zero emissions.  The braking system is used as a generator to recover energy during deceleration or braking to recharge the lithium-ion battery.  The combination of the electric motor and single-speed transmission propels Focus Electric and delivers real driving enjoyment.  And remember electric vehicles offers 100% of the available torque right off the line.

The drive train of the electric Focus is front-wheel drive and has been paired with a 107-kW electric motor.  The regenerative braking system helps to capture energy that would normally be lost through heat in normal braking systems.  The Focus Electric has electric power-assisted with pull-drift compensation and active nibble control to keep you on the road feeling secure.  

Gresham Ford explains Fords efforts to develop plant based plastics

Ford has aligned their research and development with other consumer companies to better utilize plant based plastics.  Ford is already using a soy based bio-foam that has taken the place of nearly 5 million pounds of petroleum annually in the production of new Ford vehicles.  The all new redesigned 2013 Ford Escape contains at least 20 recycled water bottles that have been repurposed into the carpet of the vehicle.  Those in the Northwest appreciate efforts to make our community and environment a healthy better place.  The lightweight plastics are durable and have allowed Ford to further increase the fuel efficiency of the cars and trucks offered by Gresham Ford.

Ford has built a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles that fit Oregon

Ford has been developing eco-friendly vehicles with green technology for decades.  We now see the attention to green detail in many of the Ford products like the new generation Police Interceptors that have soy based sustainable foam in the seats.  This green foam holds up better to the abuse and heavy wear of daily police duty as well as helping to protect our environment.  Oregon has always been on the cutting edge of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices and Ford's alternative fuel vehicles compliment that endeavor.  Drivers don't have to sacrifice performance for efficiency because Ford provides both!  The Ford Global Electrification strategy includes plans to launch five new full electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid vehicles in the compact midsize and even light commercial segments by the end of this year.  Gresham Ford will be receiving our first Electric Focus by the end of next month and are excited to share this advanced technology vehicle with Oregon.  Visit your Oregon Ford dealer, like Gresham Ford to also check out the all new 2013 Ford C-Max gas hybrid and plug-in hybrid coming later this year.

Exciting things are in the works and now it is easier and cost effective to own an electric car and reduce our foriegn dependence on oil.

Electrification Forward with Gresham Ford

Ford has been in the hybrid business for quite some time now and unlike some competitors, today we have a variety of electrified offerings.  That's because our extensive electrification strategy brings to market a choice of electrified vehicles, each designed to meet a range of customer needs.  From the pure electric Focus to the plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi, what you will find at Ford are real cars that offer a range of electrified powertrain options.  C-Max joins the Ford family of vehicles as our first exclusive hybrid line in North America.

C-Max Hybrid will arrive at Gresham Ford in late September 2012 and will be taken to a number of local government agencies to receive their own personal test drive.  The C-Max Hybrid transitions power seamlessly between its highly efficient gasoline engine and its electric traction motor to deliver a strong balance of performance and efficiency.  The highly efficient 2.0L Atkinson cycle I-4 cylinder engine has been paired with the electric traction motor to provide a great option for those traveling over 100+ miles per day.  For instance this would be a fantastic delivery vehicle or even a taxi.  This model seats 7 comfortably while providing the environmental efficiency of a hybrid.  A high voltage lithium-ion battery pack delivers advanced performance from the projected 188 net hybrid system horsepower.  The regenerative braking system recovers over 90 percent of braking energy normally lost through brake friction and uses it to help charge the battery.

Ford has made a number of Hybrid Technology Advancements and Gresham Ford is proud to share them.  The C-Max is powered by the next generation hybrid system that features a variety of progressive advantages.  Highlights of the new powertrain include things like: a new lightweight high voltage lithium-ion battery system.  The advanced air cooling system that helps to regulate the battery temperature and helps maximize battery life.  Powerspilt hybrid architecture that harmoniously manages power from the gasoline engine of the electric traction motor, maximizing efficiency.  The Hybrid C-Max offers an impressive top speed of 62 mph when in electric mode only.  Did you know that carpet in the C-Max is 100 percent recycled polyester fibers?  The average Ford vehicles contains 40 recycled parts.

Ford's Eco Efforts improve fuel economy

2.2 million pounds of rubber from 210,000 used tires have been utilized in the making of seals and gaskets.  1,675 tons of total weight has been removed from Ford vehicles on the road as a result of modifications to improve fuel efficiency.  3 million pounds of annual petroleum consumption has been reduced in large part to the use of biomaterials in Ford vehicles.  4.1 million pounds of recycled carpet has been recovered through the use of EcoLon material in head covers.  All of these technological advanced have been utilized with the arrival of the 2013 Ford C-Max with its progressively powered hybrid with an advanced lithium-ion battery system that effectively enhances fuel economy.  The five passenger, multi-activity vehicle also offers interior versatility with a fold-flat second-row seat and a hands-free lift gate.

The C-MAX Hybrid powertrain system combines an efficient gasoline engine and a lithium-ion battery-driven electric motor designed for performance and fuel economy. Highlights of this green vehicle include: the 2.0L Atkinson-cycle I-4 gasoline engine that works with an electric traction motor with an advanced lithium-ion battery system.  The regenerative braking system captures 90% of braking energy otherwise lost to heat and sends it back to the battery.  This explains how the fuel economy in the city during stop and go traffic is better than the highway fuel economy.  The electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) also does wonders with the fuel economy, providing better fuel economy with the automatic transmission than the manual transmission.  Visit Gresham Ford Fleet for more information about available packages and to place your order.  

During the final days of 2008 Ford began the discussion about expanding their line of alternative fuel vehicles.  Having successfully delivered hybrid variations of the Fusion and Escape Ford now had the technology and background to take the next logical step to an all electric vehicle.  The Focus Electric instrument panel looks cool, but the car's true technology bragging point is the active-liquid cooled lithium ion battery.  Because extreme temperatures affect battery life, a new system was designed to keep the batteries at just the right level.  On hot days, the chilled water absorbs heat from the battery and on cold days the heated water raises the battery temperature.  

Compelling Case for Natural Gas Vehicles

Stephen C. Yborra, Director of Market Analysis, Education & Communications from the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation based in Acworth, GA www.cleanvehicle.org is also the Director of Market Development CNGVAmerica – Washington, DC www.ngvamerica.org provided immense information to those who attended the recent Compelling Case for Natural Gas Vehicles Workshop in Portland.  Alternative Fuel Conversions has been a hot button for Fleet Managers who are struggling to meet budget constraints while keeping the environment impact of their fleet in mind.  

Mr. Yborra's presentation can be accessed on the CleanVehicle.org website by clicking here

More Information about the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Foundation can be accessed by clicking here.  

BAF Technologies have a number of solutions and are an active Quality Vehicle Modifier for Ford Motor Company, which means that your factory warranty is maintained even after your Alternative Fuel Conversion.  Click here to see their presentation on the Compelling Gas for Natural Gas Vehicles.  

USEFUL LINKS and CONTACTS:

US Department of Energy Clean Cities Program  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/

·         Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition http://www.cwcleancities.org
Rick Wallace – 503-378-3265 or rick.wallace@state.or.us
Julie Peacock – 503-373-2125 or Julie.peacock@state.or.us

·         Western Washington Clean Cities http://www.wwcleancities.org
Stephanie Meyn - 206-689-4055 or StephanieM@pscleanair.org

·         Rogue Valley Clean Cities Coalition http://www.roguevalleycleancities.org
Sue Kupillas - 541-245-0770 or ASK@opusnet.com

For workshop attendees from outside the Region, you may find your closest Clean Cities organization here:
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/cleancities/progs/coalition_locations.php

US DOE Clean Cities – Alternative Fuels Data Center http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

(site of station locator, many useful tools and information about state laws, incentives, programs)

US EPA – Region 10 (serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska_:  http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region10.html US EPA manages grant funding available through Supplemental Environmental Projects as well as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (DERA). DERA programs in the west coast (US EPA Regions 9 and 10) coordinate closely in managing the West Coast Collaborativehttp://westcoastcollaborative.org/contact.htm. DERA funding covers several natural gas options including covering some of the cost of repowering an existing diesel vehicle with cleaner engine (think “natural gas engine”) and/or replacing an older higher emission diesel vehicle early with a cleaner vehicle in the same duty cycle (again, think natural gas-powered vehicle). The EPA program co-leads for region 9 and 10 are listed below as is the primary contact for trucking programs within the Collaborative.

US EPA contacts: 
US EPA – Region 10 contacts re DERA and SEP funding: 
EPA Region 10 Co-Lead - Dan Brown  - 503-326-6832 brown.dan@epa.gov
EPA Region 9 Co-Lead - Penny McDaniel - 415-947-4203 - mcdaniel.penelope@epa.gov
Trucking Sector  - Trina Martynowicz - 415-972-3474 –  martynowicz.trina@epa.gov

Oregon Department of Energy

In addition to Rick Wallace and Julie Peacock, above, Evan Elias – BETC Technical Lead, ODOE, is a source of additional information regarding available Oregon grants and incentives
Evan Elias – BETC Technical Lead -503.378.6044 or evan.m.elias@state.or.us

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Office of Air Quality http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ/AQ/pages/index.aspx Main Tel #: 503-229-5696
Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative (includes technical assistance): Kevin Downing – 503-229-6549 or Downing.kevin@deq.state.or.us
Financial Incentives: Sue Langston - 503-229-5215 or langston.sue@deq.state.or.us

Available EPA- and CARB-certified and/or “listed” and verified vehicles/ Engines:The following NGVAmerica link lists retrofit systems for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles/engines.http://www.ngvamerica.org/forfleets/available_vehicles.html

The US EPA web site link below describes the guidelines behind their rulings about emissions requirements of vehicle/engine retrofit (conversion) systems and which certificates or listings are needed depending on age of vehicle, mileage on vehicle and size of vehicle.  This site also includes a link to the actual vehicle certificates although the NGVAmerica link above is more user friendly.  It is extremely important that you cross reference your vehicle engine family against the certificate applicable to the retrofit system (see listing instructions to determine how to find this alpha-numeric code on your vehicle). http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm#4

CVEF CNG Cylinder Safety, Training & Inspection http://www.cleanvehicle.org/technology/cylinder.shtml

Remember, all CNG cylinders have a useful life that is printed right on the label on the cylinder.  After this date, which may be up 15-25 years after the date of manufacture, you MAY NOT CONTINUE TO USE THAT cylinder and MUST REMOVE IT FROM SERVICE. Most cylinders manufactured today are designed to the 15- or 20-year standard.  DO NOT EXCEED THIS DATE.  If purchasing a used CNG vehicle or having your vehicle retrofitted/converted and the shop suggests using a used CNG cylinder, make sure that you have the cylinders inspected by a qualified or certified CNG cylinder inspector. They will determine if the cylinders are still within their allowable service life and whether any of the cylinders have condition issues that would warrant removing it from service ahead of that Remove From Service date. Inspectors are trained to evaluate the condition of your cylinder and associated mounting hardware. In addition, ALL CNG cylinders must be inspected every 36,000 miles or 36 months (whichever comes first) and in the event of ANY accident. The link above will provide more information about where to find a CNG cylinder inspector.  THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS RE-CERTIFICATION OF A CYLINDER THAT HAS REACHED ITS EXPIRATION DATE.

Equipment & Services Sponsors

ANGI Energy Systems, http://www.angienergy.com, Frank Perry, 608-868-4626,  fperry@angienergy.com  
BAF Technologies, http.www.baftechnologies.com, Robert Sessa, 949-303-6793, rsessa@baftechnologies.com
Clean Energy, http://www.cleanenergyfuels.com, Steve McCarthy 562-335-9783, smccarthy@cleanenergyfuels.com  
Cummins Westport Inc., http://www.cumminswestport.com/about-us, Jerry Johnson, 303-396-9821,
Eco Dual, LLC, http://www.ecodualgroup.com. Alan Nielson, 801-815-2971, alan.nielson@ecodual.com,
General Motors, http://www.gmfleet.com/fleet/finddealer/fleetAccountExecutives.jsp, Andrew Reyntjes, 313-665-4546,andrew.w.reyntjes@gm.com
McCoy Freightliner, http://www.mccoyftl.com, Brian Trice, 503-688-0989 or briantrice@pdxftl.com
NW Natural, https://www.nwnatural.com, Larry Walker, 503-220-2381 or  ljw@nwnatural.com
VNG.CO, http://vng.co/, Bill Mitchell, 610-709-5503, bmitchell@vng.co
Westport LD,  http://www.westport-ld.com, http://www.wingpowersystem.com , Patrick Walsh, 248-686-8220, pwalsh@westport-ld.com
World CNG, http://www.worldcng.com, Peter Proehl, 206-938-7812 or peter.proehl@worldcng.com

  

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.