Ford’s new mobile app promises to speed up car-charging

Ford not only unveiled its first all-electric car today – check out VB writer Sean Ludwig’s test drive with the new vehicle) – but the company also announced a new mobile app to help keep the car charged: MyFord Mobile for iPhone.

The app will help Focus Electric owners recharge their cars faster than the Nissan Leaf by locating charging stations near their area. Through an embedded AT&T wireless module, drivers can also link their cars to the app for remote communication via their phone. They’ll be able to monitor the current charge level while away from the vehicle, for example.

“The Focus Electric is a fun car to drive and helps save customers money at the pump; with MyFord Mobile, the enjoyment and savings continue after the vehicle is parked and charging,” said Bill Frykman, Business and Product Development manager.

Frykman noted that the MyFord Mobile app includes forums and social networking sharing. Drivers can teach and learn smart driving techniques while uploading statistics to platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

“The MyFord Mobile app and the Focus Electric work together to coach drivers to be more efficient and maximize the benefits of the electric vehicle experience,” said Joe Rork, MyFord Mobile product manager. “We wanted to help drivers get more miles out of every charge and have some fun along the way.”

The mobile charging technology was co-developed by Microsoft and requires that the Focus Electric is plugged in at home in order to charge via Microsoft’s cloud computing technology.

MyFord Mobile is intended to cut down on the electricity and local utility rates by automatically charging when there is less strain on the electrical grid.

The iPhone app is available to download from the iTunes App Store, and Focus Electric drivers can sign up for an account at www.MyFordMobile.com.

Photo via Ford in Europe/Flickr