Originally Posted by me
the charging system is a one-size-fits-all-climates solution
Hmm, I take that back:
"Smart Charging, a battery current control feature driven by the engine electronic control module monitors the charge state of the battery, and can adjust or interrupt current flow into the battery. By keeping the charge of the battery within an optimal range, Smart Charging reduces the average battery temperature and contributes greatly to the battery's life span. The system also facilitates precise idle control, and even raises the idle speed to prevent battery drain in winter conditions and in other instances of high current demand."
Yay for clever use of the ECM. This was from a paper describing the Duratec HE which also has such neat features as an electronic thermostat.