Ford, U of Michigan Test Hybrid Control Systems

Ford seems to grow more and more keen on testing its ideas, as well as ways to see them through, in the virtual environment, prior to actually spending money for the final products. We've already seen this approach with Ford's Distraction Labs, or with its VR in-car sound testings.

Following the same path, Ford has partnered with the University of Michigan to develop a joint project which will allow an accelerated development for future hybrids (we all know, Ford sort of lost the boat on hybrids...). For the project, 2,500 road trips will be analyzed to determine the way in which internal electronic vehicle controls can be improved.

“The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available, and its performance is second to none. Our work with U of M is helping us develop the next generation of Ford hybrids and bring them to market even faster,” Ryan McGee, Ford Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design said in a release.

Ford has so far tested roughly 1 million design simulations of hybrid control systems, and keeps on doing so at a pace of 50,000 a week. The manufacturer is currently trying to integrate easy driving with fuel economy into one package.

“The new hybrid controller design method we have created has the potential to offer consumers more choice in how efficient and drivable their vehicles are,” Jessy Grizzle, University of Michigan professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering added.

“I envision hybrids of the future featuring multiple modes or offering customers the ability to customize their driving experience.”

Unfortunately, aside from saying the initial results are promising, Ford left us in the dark. We expect some results to be made public in the months to follow.