Ford Readies Mobile App For Focus EV

The application will allow owners of the EV to program charging times, remotely turn on the vehicle and engage the climate controls, remotely lock or unlock the doors and use the built-in GPS to locate the car, among other features.

Ford calls the system MyFord Mobile, and it can be accessed from a smartphone or home computer. Ford partnered with AT&T to provide the service for the Focus Electric. GM partnered with Verizon Wireless for OnStar and the related mobile app.

When GM announced this sort of functionality, it started with the Chevrolet Volt, but GM eventually brought most of the features — sans charging-related functions — to its entire 2011 lineup and some 2010 models.

Ford could follow in those footsteps, but it will be more difficult. Unlike Onstar, which is available on 40 2011 GM models and has its own built-in mobile modem to connect to Verizon’s network, no other Ford models have such a telematics system. (MyFord Touch relies on your own smartphone.)

The Leaf has a similar smartphone app that allows owners to check charging status and heat or cool the cabin.