Ford to use solar energy to power up assembly plant that produces electric cars

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Solar panels will be installed in unused areas of the plant, an additional solar system will be installed to power up the lighting system, plus 10 charging stations that will power 10 battery-based trucks.

The new system that will be installed this year will save Ford about $160,000 in annual energy costs. The project is backed by a $5.8 million grant provided by the state of Michigan.

3,200 employees will take part in the assembly line in the state of the art plant, they will produce the new Ford Focus and the Battery Electric Focus as well as new Ford hybrids that are expected to roll out in 2012.

The plant was originally opened in 1957 and has been used for the production of the Lincoln Navigator, Ford Broncos and Expedition. the new solar project is part of the plants transformation from a big car to a small fuel efficient car producer.

Ford to use solar energy to power up assembly plant that produces electric cars