Flicking the switch on electric cars

THE Ford Motor Co has announced a plan to bring a new line of battery-powered vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrid vehicles to market between 2010 and 2012.

Speaking at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, executive chairman Bill Ford outlined a radical rollout of vehicles for the Blue Oval brand, beginning with a range-extending plug-in electric light commercial van in 2010 and extending to a plug-in electric small car in 2011 and a new-generation plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

Set to rival the Chevrolet Volt, the 2011 lithium-ion-based plug-in electric small car is being developed jointly with Magna International and will be based on a Focus-sized platform, with a worldwide annual production target of up to 10,000 units.

Ford claims it will offer a range of up to 100 miles (160km) on a single charge, without requiring intervention from the small petrol engine also on board.

The plug-in hybrid program due in 2012 is set to begin with small cars and extend into Ford’s new global medium-sized platform.

“Ford is heading in the direction America and our customers want us to go, which is a green, hi-tech and global future,” said Mr Ford.

“I think that is where society would like to see the entire industry go, and Ford is going to lead that charge.

“We will launch at least four high-mileage battery-electric vehicles by 2012. Our global electrification strategy is not a test plan – it is aimed at making Ford the leader in battery technology.” Ford’s global product development chief Derrick Kuzak added that the company intended to “provide fuel efficiency for millions of customers rather than low-volume niche vehicles or demonstration fleets”.

“Next-generation hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery powered vehicles are the logical next steps in our pursuit of greater fuel economy and sustainability,” Mr Kuzak said.

“A growing number of consumers want that kind of choice, and we want to be in a position to deliver it to them across multiple vehicle categories.

“We are committed to developing advanced technology that is widely affordable and accessible.”