Ford to use blockchain for clean air in the city
Car company Ford is using blockchain and location technology to make sure cars are ‘driving green’ in the city center. The company will make its hybrid vehicles switch to electric mode when they are in a city center. On Tuesday the company announced it will expand its tests to the city center of Cologne, Germany. This will complement tests done in London and the Spanish city of Valencia.
There will be nine Ford Transit vans and one Tourneo people-mover driving in Cologne. Ford will also investigate how geofencing and blockchain technology could help to accurately track and increase the number of ‘green miles’ driven by vehicles.
Geofencing allows Ford to tell a car when it needs to switch to electric mode. That’s why the car company is testing the technology with its hybrid cars. These cars can have zero-emission for 56 kilometers. In addition a so-called ecoboost engine can charge the battery while adding another 500 kilometers to its range. The tests in Cologne will take 12 months.
In many European cities low-emission zones are introduced to address air quality challenges. Governments discourage the most polluting vehicles from driving through them. However, these zones can present difficulties both to the cities and to drivers understanding where restrictions are in place. That’s where Ford’s geofencing and blockchain technology pilot could help.
Ford actively experimenting with blockchain
The automotive industry is really embracing blockchain technology, and Ford is one of the forerunners. Earlier this week the company announced a test of a blockchain-powered car identification and payment system in the United States.
The company is also part of the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative. This group wants to standardize blockchain technology in the car industry.
Automotive industry very progressive
Thanks to electric cars it will be easier then ever before for car companies to start using blockchain technology. Daimler Chrysler wants to build hardware wallets into its cars. This will benefit fleet management for rental car companies for example. In addition it allows consumers to easily pay for parking and toll fees.
Hyundai wants to pair phones with cars using blockchain technology, while BMW and VeChain will combat fraud. Volkswagen is implementing IBM’s supply chain technology. As a result they can make sure that all resources for manufacturing are being obtained in a proper way.
Originally published at NEDEROB.
