Ford goes wireless

As it aims to advance its lithium-Ion battery system for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, Ford has gone wireless.

The company is leveraging the internet and wireless technologies to test and refine the system. Engineers will now collect real-time performance data from the lab and battery vehicles in the field using an internet server wirelessly while updating software systems to manage the thermal load and maximize the energy capacity, power and capability lifecycle durability.

The technique has helped Ford slash-test fleet downtime and double its capacity battery testing lab.

Now certain systems engineers can be informed by email when you update the software using an opportunity happen adaptive event monitoring conditions of interest recognizes and collects relevant data. According to Ford, this system has led to at least 20 major improvements in vehicle design.

Ford is currently scheduled to introduce two all electric vehicles - the Electric Transit Connect in North America in late 2010 and in Europe in 2011, and the Ford Focus Electric in North America in 2011 and in Europe in 2012. It is also looking to introduce two hybrid electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in 2012 and 2013.