Ford and Strawberry Energy charge smartphones for free

Ford is proving that it is serious about the transition from a pure automobile manufacturer to a service provider not just by entering the bicycle rental business, but also with the smart benches. After Strawberry Energy already installed ten benches, Ford plans to double this number.

Additionally, the smart solar street furniture measures values of noise, carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature. This information is available for free to users on-site as well as to participating London boroughs. Ideally, it could even contribute to future city planning. The Wi-Fi access and the ability to charge devices, whether wirelessly or through plug connections, is also free of charge.

In addition, London street furniture offers the possibility to donate to British charities. According to its own statements, the Ford Fund nonprofit foundation of the automobile manufacturer can accept donations up to £10,000 (approximately €11,400) and securely forward the freely selectable amounts to the recipients. Besides the bench, Strawberry Energy also offers a "Smart Tree," which is similarly configured and also provides light at night. Apart from London, Strawberry is already present with the smart "benches" and "trees" in several cities across Europe.

What does this mean?

Strawberry Energy's smart street furniture is fundamentally a great idea, aesthetically executed. The whole thing is likely to be financed in the long term through advertising and data, for which you could receive free energy or even free transport one day. To what extent Ford will further engage in this remains to be seen.