By Ben Randalls
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Ford announced the launch of MyEnergi Lifestyle. The auto manufacturer partnered with Whirlpool, SunPower, Eaton and Nest Labs to create a product that connects plug-in vehicles to energy-smart appliances to the same database, instead of going to and from separate places. Once consumers are connected in the MyEnergi Lifestyle database, they can team-up their products with the grid to produce overall household energy efficiency.
How Does MyEnergi Work?
Ford MyEnergi Lifestyle is deigned to help homeowners save on energy bills by utilizing off-peak hours, when rates for electricity are higher. Based on the findings in a Georgia Institute for Technology study, Ford states that replacing household appliances to energy-efficient ones and switching to a plug-in vehicle like the Focus can result in a 55 percent reduction of a home’s carbon footprint, according to JeanKnowsCars.com. The school worked with Ford to research the efficiency of the program. Ford plans to share its database with other, partnered, energy-efficient appliances to create a connected home system.
According to Examiner.com, MyEnergi can improve your energy efficiency:
- Electric vehicles use low-cost electricity hours to charge.
- Improved appliance efficiency.
- Hot water heaters will use night electricity.
- Connected appliances will use less energy during peak hours.
- The Learning Thermostat by Nest self-programs automatically to reduce energy use when the homeowner is gone.
- Rooftop solar systems generate renewable energy.
- Connected devices provide a smarter use of energy.
Green Appliances
Collaborators Whirpool, SunPower, Eaton and Nest Labs offer many green products and will continue to introduce new, eco-conscious products. MyEnergi Lifestyle owners will be able to control all appliances through the MyEnergi app.
- This month Whirlpool will debut its Sixth Sense Live line of appliances to Chicago markets. The line includes: Dishwasher, washer, dryer, refrigerator and a Smartphone app.
- SunPower will introduce a solar charger and phone app that will permit home owners to switch to solar power during peak hours.
- Eaton’s power management appliances will include a home-charging station and solar power inverter.
- Nest Labs offers a self-programming thermostat made to cut energy costs.
Ken Fog, SunPower general manager of the Americas reportedly said the partnership of SunPower and Ford will bring plug-in vehicle owners the world’s most efficient solar-power systems. Along with consumer energy-cost reduction Fog states that SunPower and Ford will maximize emission-free power for both vehicles and the home.
Technology, Unite!
Ford’s global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure, Mike Tinskey, said now is the time for the transportation and home sectors to converge. Joanne Edwards, Vice President and General Manager of Eaton, said that for homeowners to be able to adapt their behaviors for better energy efficiency they must be given the tools to access how power is distributed. She continues to say the energy distribution process must mirror the advancement of energy efficient technology.
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A big-time supporter of sustainability and energy reduction, Ben has been reviewing hybrid cars for 10 year
