MichiganRadio

Ford, Microsoft, Unveil "Smart Grid" Software ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - Ford Motor Company has teamed up with Microsoft to help make the "smart grid" a reality.

When Ford's all-electric Focus goes on the market late next year, customers will also be able to buy a Microsoft program that connects that car with the electric company and the home.

John Vierra is Director of Sustainability for Ford.

"The electric companies are saying, okay, the cost of electricity is cheaper at these times, then (they) communicate through the vehicle back to the house, and then the house actually turns on the electricity when the electric rates are the cheapest."

Vierra says electric companies will also get useful information on their end.

"You can imagine the future when we have a lot of these electric vehicles in a concentrated area, the electric companies are gonna want to know that so they can ensure a supply of electricity to those regions."

Other companies are developing similar products. Vierra says Ford and Microsoft want to be the first to get one on the market.

Customers will be able to download and use the software from any computer with Internet access. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio