Investing in the Future: Ford’s Approach to Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability
Summary
In this article, we explore the challenges faced by consumers and CEOs in choosing the right type of car to invest in, as the automotive industry transitions between traditional and new technologies. We discuss Ford’s approach to investing in multiple technologies, including internal combustion engines, electrification, and hydrogen, to contribute to fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction. We also highlight the importance of a global energy policy and environmental sustainability, and how Ford is working to contribute to these goals while also growing the economy.
Table of Contents
- Ford’s Investment in Multiple Technologies
- The Importance of a Global Energy Policy and Environmental Sustainability
- The Future of Battery Technology
- Competing in the Global Market
Ford’s Investment in Multiple Technologies
As the automotive industry transitions towards new technologies, it becomes increasingly difficult for consumers and CEOs to know which type of car to invest in. At Ford, we believe in investing in multiple technologies to contribute to fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction. This includes internal combustion engines, electrification, and hydrogen. By investing in each option, we can contribute to reducing emissions while also ensuring that we are not left behind as the industry evolves.
The Importance of a Global Energy Policy and Environmental Sustainability
At Ford, we recognize the importance of a global energy policy and environmental sustainability. We are working with governments around the world to facilitate a dialogue about energy and invest in each option because it’s unclear which one will come out the fastest. We acknowledge the recent shift towards fossil fuels due to shale oil and natural gas, but maintain our belief that energy prices will rise due to global economic development. We are committed to contributing to environmental sustainability while also growing the economy.
The Future of Battery Technology
Efficient batteries are a possibility for storing and moving electricity between homes, vehicles, and utilities. The industry is focused on making more efficient, lighter weight, and affordable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have made progress, but new chemistries can make batteries smaller, lighter, and easier to charge. Charging times are also expected to decrease. The cost of adding a battery to small and medium-sized vehicles that cost $22,000 to $25,000 is around $15,000, which is why all-electric vehicles have a price range of $35,000 to $40,000. The battery pack for the new Ford Focus Electric is around 1.7 kilowatt hours, weighs around 100 pounds, and costs around $2,000. A plug-in hybrid battery could weigh 200 to 300 pounds.
Competing in the Global Market
China has made battery technology a priority, but America can compete due to its ability to innovate and create solutions that customers want. Labor efficiency is not the only factor in competitiveness, but innovation and creativity are also important. The United States has transformed its cost structure to make smaller vehicles profitable. The focus on fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction is a reason to buy because people are looking for economical solutions for quality, fuel efficiency, and safety. The company will continue to work with governments around the world to facilitate a dialogue about energy and invest in each option because it’s unclear which one will come out the fastest. Fossil fuels will be with us for a while, but natural gas is a great option for bigger vehicles where there are no constraints with packaging. The infrastructure needs to be put in place to use it, just like with the electric grid.
Conclusion
At Ford, we believe in investing in multiple technologies to contribute to fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction while also ensuring that we are not left behind as the industry evolves. We are committed to contributing to environmental sustainability while also growing the economy. We recognize the importance of a global energy policy and will continue to work with governments around the world to facilitate a dialogue about energy and invest in each option. The future of battery technology is promising, and we are focused on making more efficient, lighter weight, and affordable batteries. We are confident that America can compete in the global market by innovating and creating solutions that customers want.
