Blockchain and geofencing could be used with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to improve air quality in cities, according to a study by automaker Ford.
Automotive giant Ford conducted a three-year study in London, Cologne and Valencia that examined the potential of commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to address urban air quality challenges.
The dynamic geofencing feature used in the study enabled vehicles to operate with zero emissions whenever they entered a reduced emission zone, without driver intervention.
Ford also used blockchain to track the time when a car entered or left the geofence. Researchers have found that when shared, technology can significantly improve air quality in cities.
“When plugged-in hybrid EVs from Ford entered these zones, they would automatically switch to low emission mode. This happened automatically, without the participation of drivers. Technology helps improve air quality for citizens and helps vehicles comply with local regulations, ”Ford said in a press release.
In some European cities, low emission zones have been created, which are restricted to vehicles with high emissions. Hybrid cars can switch between electric and combustion engines, varying their emissions.
Back in 2018, BMW, GM, Ford and Renault formed a consortium to develop blockchain in the auto industry. In 2019, it became known that Ford will use blockchain to reduce vehicle fuel consumption.
