# Ford Research Center : Exploring Sustainable Vehicles - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/ford-research-center-exploring-sustainable-vehicles/ - Published: 2015-01-28T01:37:27-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Ford Research opens Green Transport Innovation Center Ford Motor Company is a major manufacturer and brand of automobiles. One which is also among the most successful companies in history. The company is one of the largest automakers in the world. For it is known as one of the pioneers in the automotive industry. Ford’s products are sold in over 140 countries. Thereby making it an incredibly successful company. With such a vast amount of success under its belt, it may come as shock to learn just how much green energy Ford’s vehicles consume. This article will explore the amount of Natural Gas and energy Ford’s vehicles consume. For it will provide some insight as to how Ford is aiming to reduce that number. ##### Ford Research Center in Palo, Alto As Ford opens the doors of its new Research and Innovation Center (RIC) in Palo Alto, it is giving us one of the largest automotive research teams in Silicon Valley. At the opening event, Ford offered a sneak peek at some of its cutting-edge research. I thought you’d be interested in learning more about two projects: ## **Ford’s Research Remote Repositioning experiment**: The Palo Alto team is [testing the ability to drive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-2025-test-drive-review/) vehicles located on Georgia Institute of Technology’s campus in Atlanta from the Bay Area. A person sitting in the Palo Alto laboratory can access real-time video streamed over 4G/LTE technology to drive golf carts thousands of miles away. This could help lead to more affordable and effective ways to manage car-sharing initiatives or park vehicles remotely. [⌊Ford research⌉⌊Ford research⌉[ ### **Nest Ford Research Partnership** Ford is collaborating with Nest to use the car as an additional node of data. Thereby providing an important cue for the Nest Thermostat to switch to “Away Mode,” reducing energy use automatically when homeowners leave. ### Other Points Ford Motor Company announced that it has acquired the Eco-Volt research and development team from Fisker Automotive. Eco-Volt is a startup working on creating alternative energy sources for vehicles that can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The company was started in 2012 by Kevin Denman and John Keating, two Stanford engineers who are avid bicyclists and wanted to create a system that would allow them to charge their vehicles while they were riding. The team launched a Kickstarter campaign soon after their idea was born in the hopes of raising funding to further develop their prototype. The acquisition is part of Ford’s plan to be a leader in the emerging industry of green transportation. The company also has a number of initiatives under way. Especially to improve their sustainability performance. Thereby including a plan to switch their entire fleet of cars to hybrids by 2020. The Eco-Volt team will be working closely with Ford engineers. Especially as they look to fine-tune the prototype they already have in hand. The team will also work closely with Ford engineers as they look to fine-tune the prototype they already have in hand. ### Conclusion What excites me the most is the potential impact this center can have on reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. With the rise in electric vehicles and advancements in battery technology. For there is a pressing need for research and development in this area. So Ford’s [Green Transport](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/11/infographic-green-transportation-reduce-your-carbon/) Research and Innovation Center will be at the forefront of this revolution. Thereby working towards more efficient and eco-friendly transportation options. Moreover, this center will also focus on exploring alternative fuels and energy sources. Especially as we strive towards a greener future. Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. By investing in research and innovation in this field, Ford is taking a proactive approach to address this issue. In addition, I am also excited to see what breakthroughs and discoveries come out of this center. Especially that can revolutionize the way we power our vehicles. For in addition to the environmental benefits, this center will also contribute to economic growth. Most importantly and job creation. As more emphasis is placed on green transport, there will be a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. By establishing this research and innovation center, Ford is investing in sustainability. As well, it’s also in the workforce of the future. Overall, Ford Motor Company’s Green Transport Research and Innovation Center is a game-changer in the automotive industry. It represents a bold and ambitious step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. I am excited to see the positive impact this center will have on the environment, technology, and the economy. With Ford’s commitment and expertise, I have no doubt that they will lead the way in shaping the future of green transportation. [For the entire story at Ford Motor.Company](https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/01/22/research-and-innovation-center-palo-alto.html) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)