Detroit Auto Show: Ford Promises EV by 2011, Plug-In Hybrid by 2012
By John O'Dell January 11, 2009
Ford Motor Co. plans to jump into the electric vehicle word in a big way, chief executive Alan Mulally and other executives told reporters at the North American International Auto Show today.
Ford is testing a plug-in hybrid version of its Escape SUV.
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The company already has announced plans to launch a battery-electric delivery van for the commercial vehicle market in 2010, and Mulally said a battery-EV small car for the retail market will follow in 2011.
Beyond that, Ford plans to hit the market with a new generation of hybrids - including its first plug-in - by 2012. (The company presently is testing a plug-in version of its Escape hybrid SUV.)
The 2010 Ford EV will be developed in partnership with Canadian auto components supplier Magna International, and Ford executives said the company would work with partners on other green vehicles and on lithium-ion battery development as well.
The company's high-volume global platforms for small and mid-size cars such as the Focus and the Fusion, will support battery-electric powertrains as well as conventional gas and diesel engines said Mark Fields, president of Ford's Americas division.
Ford's chairman, Bill Ford, said the company has formed a four-way partnership in China and the U.S. to help expand its electric vehicle expertise.
In addition to Ford, the partners are Changan Auto Group and the cities of Chongquing, China, and Denver, Colo.
The cities' cooperation is valuable because they can provide real-world test-beds for EVs by introducing them into city fleets and by facilitating tests of things such as public charging infrastructure, smart grid electrical hookups.
John O'Dell, Senior Editor
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