Ford Leads the Charge: Empowering EV Owners to Support the Grid

In a groundbreaking move, Ford Motor Company has become the first major U.S. automaker to participate in Southern California Edison's (SCE) Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP). This innovative program allows Ford electric vehicle (EV) owners and lessees in SCE's service area to be compensated for assisting the electric grid during peak periods of energy demand, showcasing the growing collaboration between the automotive industry and utility companies to enhance grid resilience.

Unlocking the Power of EV Owners to Strengthen the Grid

Pioneering Vehicle-to-Grid Integration

Ford's support of the ELRP, facilitated through its partnership with Olivine, Inc., a distributed energy resources administrator, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration. As millions of EVs enter the U.S. market, the automotive industry and utility companies are recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring grid stability and resilience. Ford's California Power Response program, which enables EV owners to participate in the ELRP, showcases the company's commitment to maximizing the benefits of electric mobility for its customers, the grid, and the broader community.

Incentivizing Grid Support

Through the California Power Response program, Ford EV drivers in SCE's service area can now earn $1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy reduced during peak grid events. This financial incentive, a first of its kind for gas-powered vehicles, provides a tangible reward for EV owners who contribute to grid stability. By tapping into the energy stored in their vehicle batteries, EV owners can play a vital role in supporting the grid during times of high demand, benefiting both themselves and the broader community.

Collaborative Efforts for a Resilient Grid

The partnership between Ford, SCE, and Olivine highlights the importance of coordinated actions among industry players to address the challenges posed by the growing EV market. As VGI technologies mature, SCE is prioritizing customer needs through ongoing collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, charging station providers, and VGI aggregators. This collaborative approach ensures that the integration of EVs into the grid is seamless, optimized, and aligned with the grid's evolving needs.

Paving the Way for Future Innovations

Ford's participation in the ELRP is a significant step towards realizing the full potential of EVs as grid assets. By demonstrating the ability of EVs to provide valuable load reduction during peak demand periods, the program paves the way for future innovations in energy management and grid interaction. As the electric industry continues to prepare infrastructure and systems to take advantage of V2G integration, Ford's leadership in this space positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of sustainable mobility and grid resilience.

Empowering Customers and Communities

The California Power Response program not only benefits EV owners through financial incentives but also contributes to the overall resilience of the electric grid. By enabling EV owners to actively participate in grid support, Ford is empowering its customers to play a direct role in enhancing the stability and reliability of the power system. This, in turn, benefits the broader community by reducing the risk of blackouts and ensuring a more secure and sustainable energy future.