Gateway – Jalopnik

On Wednesday, Ford Motor Company just took a major step toward achieving its goal of producing cars powered by 100% renewable energy announced the largest purchase of renewable energy ever made in the USA by Utility.

Ford is partnering with Michigan-based DTE Energy to provide 100 percent of its plant’s energy from renewable sources. By 2025, DTE will provide Ford with 650 megawatts of new solar energy — amount that increases solar power across the state, my 70 percent. This should cover Ford’s energy needs in Michiganallowing Ford to exceed its self-imposed carbon-neutral operating goal by 10 years.

Here are some quotes from those responsible for this historic purchase:

“This unprecedented agreement is about a greener, brighter future for Ford and the state of Michigan,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Today is an example of what leading looks like…turning conversations into actions.”

(…)

“I want to congratulate DTE Energy and Ford Motor Company on taking this significant step to increase solar energy production in our state and position Michigan as a leader in climate action,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Efforts like these are why Michigan saw the nation’s largest energy job growth last year, which will help achieve our state’s decarbonization goals, create good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy. As outlined in our state’s Healthy MI Climate Plan, we must take immediate, measurable steps to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions so that we can achieve carbon neutrality across the economy by 2050. Actions like this collaboration between Ford and DTE are helping move our entire state forward, building on our automotive heritage while protecting clean air and water for future generations.”

It doesn’t quite make up for it allegedly knowing that its products cause climate change long ago60’s, but it’s a giant step for the automaker and the entire state. DTE and Ford have been working together for some time to make Michigan’s largest employer a greener place to work. Last year, the company partnered with Ford to build an array of 2,159 solar panels on the roof of a parking lot at the Ford Research and Engineering Center in Dearborn.

Ford has worked hard to earn its environmental integrity. The company has started implementation Ford F-150 Lightning this year, the first EV truck for the average vehicle buyer to actually hit the market, as well Mustang Mach-E two years ago. Just this week Ford CEO Jim Farley said Detroit Free Press that demand for The Blue Oval electric vehicles are huge.

Public response and years of order banks will allow Ford “to capture an above-average share of the rapidly growing electric vehicle market,” Farley said. “We have a clear path to reach 600,000 electric vehicles by the end of next year. And this will lead to a foundation of up to 2 million by the end of 2026.”

“Early sales data indicate Ford is a serious competitor,” he said

According to company data, Mach-E sales have already reached last year’s levels, with four months left in 2022. GoodCarBadCar.com.

Solar-powered factories are doing well, but if you’re waiting for a completely solar-powered car, you’re going to have to wait a lot longer. Although Ford attempted to create a solar-powered car with the C-MAX Solar Energi concept, the test vehicle never made it to production. This is because it is really difficult power your car with sunlight. The first solar-powered car available on the market, light-year, it was unveiled just a few months ago and, at $266,000, it’s not intended for the average person. You’ll probably need to charge it at least every few months.

open article in a new tab