Ford to use renewable energy sources for vehicles

Ford Motor Company has said every vehicle it manufactures in Michigan will be assembled using solar and other renewable energy sources as from 2025 in order to lower their emissions.

Ford Motor, General Electric and Xerox are among more than 90 companies and organizations that pledged in February to reduce their carbon emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030—without the use of offsets.

Already, Reuters reports that Michigan-based Ford has signed a renewable energy purchase pact with local provider DTE Energy, under which the utility firm will add 650 megawatts of new solar energy in the state for the automaker.

Ford operates three plants in Michigan at Dearborn, Wayne and Flat Rock that build the F-150, Mustang, Ranger and Bronco models.

Ford and other firms made that ambitious commitment as part of the US Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge programme.

In addition to helping the environment, the new initiative could help companies save money, foster innovation and add a new dimension to corporate activism.

John Savona, Ford’s vice president for manufacturing and labour affairs, said in a statement, “We’re proud to be the first automaker to join the Better Climate Challenge and to continue our commitment to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from our US manufacturing facilities.

“We’re acting now to develop a ultra-efficient, closed-loop manufacturing system, creating jobs here in the United States. And we’re sharing what we learn to help other businesses and drive to a zero-emissions transportation future that’s good for people, good for business, and good for the planet.”