Customers of Ford plug-ins drive more than 8,400 electric-only miles every hour and about 203,000 electric-only miles daily – enough to travel around the earth’s equator nearly eight times, says a data from MyFord Mobile app.
MyFord Mobile is available on Ford plug-in hybrids, Fusion Energi and C-MAX Energi; and Focus Electric, a battery-electric vehicle.
Data show that for plug-in hybrids, the number of all-electric trips increases by nearly 50 percent after the first six months of ownership.
This is mainly due to the improved driving habits acquired through the use of exclusive features and a rapidly growing infrastructure, including Ford’s expanding workplace charging network
The number of electric-only miles is expected to increase further as Ford continues investing in infrastructure while exclusive features like MyFord Mobile help improve driving habits.
The number of electric-only miles is expected to continue increasing, as data suggest driving habits evolve for new hybrid owners through the use of MyFord Mobile and other features such as SmartGauge with EcoGuide.
After six months, nearly 30 percent of all trips are gas-free compared with about 20 percent at the beginning of vehicle ownership, Ford said.
MyFord Mobile data showing, how driving habits evolve and how Ford plug-in hybrids are being used are helping improve the ownership experience for existing and future customers, according to Ford officials.
MyFord Mobile allows drivers to link up with their cars via an embedded AT&T wireless module that provides remote communication with the car to maximize utility and minimize operating costs; a multiyear wireless service subscription is included with every Ford electrified vehicle.
Ford doesn’t collect information on individual drivers, but aggregates group data so that it can continue to deliver the best possible ownership experience.
MyFord Mobile data also helped Ford planners identify the need to launch an electrified vehicle charging network for employees. Ford will soon begin installing electrified vehicle charging stations at more than 50 of its company offices, product development campuses and manufacturing facilities.
Through the program, nearly every Ford facility in the U.S. and Canada will have at least one charging station.
MyFord Mobile now features a charging station finder powered by PlugShare.com, which provides the most comprehensive information available about access to charging stations. In addition to the more than 20,000 public charge stations in the United States and Canada, PlugShare provides data about private stations, too.
Trip & Charge Log is another recent addition to MyFord Mobile, providing instant information about trips, including energy use and average fuel economy, along with an instant score based on driving habits, such as effective use of brakes.
MyFord Mobile also includes features such as Trip Planner; My GO Times scheduling feature; and Value Charge Profiles that charges battery based on electricity rates.
The Ford PowerUp Tour events are designed to help consumers learn about the many benefits of Ford plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, and assess whether one of these vehicles fits their needs.
During the events, attendees will have the opportunity to test-drive Ford C-MAX Energi, Fusion Energi and Focus Electric against the competition. Trained electric vehicle experts will provide tips on maximizing the features of these vehicles, including fuel economy and technology capabilities.