Ford claims to solve the main reason why people aren’t buying EVs

Updated Oct 26, 2020 | Same topic: Leading-Edge Tech Trends

A smarter new technology could be the solution to range anxiety.

Electric vehicles (EVs) may be the next wave in personal mobility, but many people are understandably hesitant to own a battery-powered car. It isn’t because the technology hasn’t been proven yet.

The main issue with anything that draws power from an onboard battery is that you never know when the juice will run out. That paranoia is enough to mar an otherwise uneventful journey with frequent (and inconvenient) charging stops.      

Mustang Mach-E red

Electric cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E are dependent on battery estimates

Even cars with conventional engines suffer from this problem, with maintenance-free batteries depleting their charge at the most inopportune times. Given that charging stations are not as plentiful as filling stations, it’s no surprise that EVs have yet to become a mainstream offering among car brands.

Ford wants to change that, by introducing Intelligent Range on its all-electric Mustang Mach-E sport utility vehicle (SUV). The feature computes for the vehicle’s range based on previous driver behavior, as well as taking weather condition forecasts into account. The vehicle battery system reports the remaining energy levels, measuring it against actual usage tracked by the powertrain module. 

>>> Related: Ford and Volkswagen to work together in building EVs and many other vehicles

Intelligent Range display

Ford's Intelligent Range display gives a more accurate estimate of range based on remaining battery power

Intelligent Range also includes changes to ambient temperature in its calculations, enabling it to update the estimated range as the vehicle moves. The system utilizes cloud technology to predict future energy usage, with crowdsourced data from other connected Ford EVs helping to improve range estimates even more.

A Ford Mustang Mach-E is capable of monitoring energy consumption across a variety of scenarios – such as varying terrain and climate conditions – so a fleet average can be derived across all roadgoing units, even for routes and conditions a customer has yet to experience. If the estimated range is significantly affected by any real-time factor, Intelligent Range will notify the driver of the new range estimate and why the projection changed. 

Mach-E charging

No more guessing when you'll need to pull over to charge

Intelligent Range will receive over-the-air updates, to keep range estimates as accurate as possible. Future versions will have the capability to factor in real-time traffic conditions, road grades, even the temperature at the final destination.  

“Electric vehicle customers need to be able to trust their range estimates,” says Darren Palmer, Ford global director for electric vehicles. “Our new Intelligent Range helps ensure Mustang Mach-E owners around the globe know where they stand ahead of time, freeing them up to enjoy the ride.”  

Mach-E road

More accurate battery technology means greater peace of mind

The system isn’t completely faultless, which is why Ford has a fallback. Its Roadside Assistance program offers free towing services to customers' preferred destination within a radius of 35 miles (56 kilometers) - be it home, the nearest public charging station, or an EV-certified Ford dealership.

See more innovations in automotive tech at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Ford Mustang 2024

Ford Mustang

Arguably the most popular vehicle from the Blue Oval company, the Ford Mustang is one powerful coupe that is competing in the market with its sixth-gen model. Ford Mustang 2023 Price Philippines from Php 2,948,000 to Php 7,760,000, depending on the variant. Speaking of variants, the Mustang comes with four variants in the Philippines, namely the 2.3L EcoBoost, 5.0L GT Fastback, 5.0L GT Convertible, and Shelby GT500. The base Mustang uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 engine that makes 310 hp and 475 Nm of torque, while the GT variants are powered by a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine that generates 460 hp and 569 Nm of torque. As for the top-spec Shelby GT500, it boasts a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that churns out 760 hp and 847 Nm of torque. Only the Shelby GT500 utilizes a 7-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission, while the rest offer a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

In terms of dimensions, this American sports car has a length of 4,788 mm, a width of 2,081 mm, and a height of 1,395 mm. Additionally, it comes with a wheelbase length of 2,721 mm and a ground clearance rated at 137 mm. The Mustang is competing in the local market against the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Nissan 370Z.

₱ 3,048,000 - ₱ 7,760,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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