Ford Hybrid's EV+ Feature Learns Driver's Destinations
Log in now to share articles with your friends
- Ford says its patent-pending EV+ feature for such cars as the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi "learns" the driver's frequent destinations in order to boost fuel efficiency.
- Using GPS data from Ford Sync, the computerized feature automatically adjusts powertrain controls based on location to deliver more electric-only driving, Ford said.
- The driver can turn off the system and erase "all the waypoints," Ford said.
DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford says its patent-pending EV+ feature for such cars as the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi "learns" the driver's frequent destinations in order to boost fuel efficiency.
The feature is part of SmartGauge and is standard on the C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi, along with hybrid versions of the 2013 Ford Fusion and C-Max.
Using GPS data from Ford Sync, the computerized feature automatically adjusts powertrain controls based on location to deliver more electric-only driving, Ford said. The driver can turn off the system and erase "all the waypoints," Ford said.
Once frequent destinations have been learned — such as your home parking location — EV+ adjusts how the electric power stored in the vehicle's high-voltage battery is used to power the vehicle.
"If EV+ determines the vehicle is nearing a frequent destination, it has the capability to remain in electric-only mode," said Ford.
Ford said because it puts a GPS unit in every Ford with Sync, it was "just a matter of tapping into that in the right way" with EV+.
Edmunds says: Cars just keep getting smarter and smarter. But is any of this technology troubling to the ordinary consumer?
