The patent-pending EV+ feature developed by Ford engineers will allow its hybrid vehicles to drive in electric mode more often by learning frequent destinations and adjusting the powertrain accordingly. The Ford EV+ feature uses GPS data from Ford’s SYNC system and uses a predictive software algorithm that automatically adjusts powertrain controls based on location to deliver electric-only driving.

Ford EV+ Intelligent Technology

The Ford EV+ feature will be used in Ford plug-in hybrids (C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi) as well as hybrid versions of the C-MAX and Fusion. Ford EV+ forms part of SmartGauge which is a standard feature on these vehicles. Once a frequent destination has been learned, such as home or work, the EV+ will adjust how the electric power is used to power the vehicle. When Ford EV+ determines that the vehicle is nearing a frequent destination, it will have the capability to remain in electric mode only.

“We already have a GPS unit in every Ford with SYNC, so really it was just a matter of tapping into that the right way,” said Kevin Layden, Ford director of Electrification Programs and Engineering. “This is one of the first examples of how we’re looking to make the car smarter, by leveraging on board data to provide features and services that add value to the driving experience.”

EV+ was developed by two Ford engineers, Ken Frederick and Matt Smith. “We realized that harnessing data already available was the way we could achieve our goal of improving the entire hybrid vehicle driving experience,” said Frederick. “Once we had access to the data, we applied machine learning principles to predict frequently visited locations that would determine what powertrain controls should be applied to achieve our goal.”