New Benefit For Ford Workers – Free EV Recharging

By Jeff Gilbert, CBS Detroit

DEARBORN, MI — (WWJ) With two plug-in hybrids and a pure electric vehicle on the market, Ford is installing EV charging stations at fifty work places across the U.S. and Canada.

Mike Tinskey, Ford’s global director of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure says this will put recharging stations at virtually all of Ford’s workplaces in this region.

“We know that a growing electrified vehicle infrastructure is the key to making plug-in vehicles a viable option for more consumers.”

The charging stations will also be networked together so that Ford can learn more about the driving and recharging habits of those who drive electrified vehicles.

The electric version of the Ford Focus has not sold in great numbers. But, Ford has had strong demand for the plug-in hybrid versions of its C-Max crossover and its Fusion mid-size car. They sold 8292 of the plug-ins in August.

Adding the charging stations at work places allows workers to drive these vehicles more in pure electric mode.

Tinskey says that workers will get four hours of free charging time a day. That will allow workers to rotate through the charging stations during the day.

With stricter fuel economy rules coming, Ford and other automakers are expected to have more plug in hybrids on the market in coming years.

Ford says owners of its electrified vehicles have now driven more than thirty million all electric miles.

Connect with Jeff Gilbert
AutoBeat Reporter
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/carchronicles
Twitter: @jefferygilbert