-- Ford and its utility partners are testing one of the industry's

first vehicle-to-electric grid communications and control systems, which

enables electric vehicles to interface with the grid for optimal

recharging

-- The new technology allows the vehicle operator to program when to

recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate. For

example, an operator could choose to charge only during off-peak hours

when electricity is cheaper, or when the grid is using renewable energy

-- Since 2007, Ford and its research partners in the utility industry have

conducted more than 75,000 miles of plug-in hybrid testing to advance

the commercialization of electric vehicles

-- Ford introduces a pure battery electric Transit Connect commercial van

in 2010, a battery electric Focus compact car in 2011, and a plug- in

hybrid electric vehicle and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in

2012

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today that it has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that "talks" directly with the nation's electric grid.

This new technology - which builds on Ford's advancements such as SYNC(R), SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide and Ford Work Solutions(TM) - allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate.

"Electric vehicles are an important element of our strategy for improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions," said Bill Ford, Ford's executive chairman. "This vehicle-to-grid communication technology is an important step in the journey toward the widespread commercialization of electric vehicles."

All 21 of Ford's fleet of plug-in hybrid Escapes eventually will be equipped with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology. The first of the specially equipped plug-in hybrids has been delivered to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio. Ford's other utility partners' vehicles will also be equipped with the communications technology.

When plugged in, the battery systems of these specially equipped plug-in hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. The owner uses the vehicle's touch screen navigation interface and Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer to choose when the vehicle should recharge, for how long and at what utility rate.

For example, a vehicle owner could choose to accept a charge only during off-peak hours between midnight and 6 a.m. when electricity rates are cheaper, or when the grid is using only renewable energy such as wind or solar power.