Ford Chairman Says Electrification of U.S. Fleet Inevitable, Says It's a Defense Issue

Ford Chairman Says Electrification of U.S. Fleet Inevitable, Says It's a Defense Issue

The chairman of Ford Motor Co. says electric cars have the edge in the race toward the next big automotive technology.

Speaking with reporters in Laguna Niguel, Calif., Bill Ford said that while his company continues to invest in biofuels, hydrogen and more efficient internal combustion engines, the electrification of the U.S. fleet is inevitable.

"We're electrifying what we call our mainstream vehicles," said Ford, explaining that electric and hybrid vehicles will not be marketed on a special platform. "We're placing a big bet on that. It's the right bet."

Ford has long been lauded as an executive who is a step ahead of his U.S. competitors. His company's sales have been strong over the last year, and, most recently, the company teamed with Microsoft Corp. to develop a computerized home-charging system for future plug-in models.

Ford's comments came during a conference hosted by Fortune magazine. He said his company has an electric van slated to roll off the assembly line this year, with the electric Focus sedan to follow next year.

A challenge for the industry is battery development, and Ford thinks the U.S. government should subsidize that sector to keep up with China and other countries that are actively pouring money into batteries. "I do think it's a defense issue," he said. "You can be a purist about it and say hands off ... but that's not the behavior we've seen elsewhere."

As for the company's apparent success relative to its competition, Ford said it is a mistake to coast with the automotive industry still struggling. "We've got to run scared every day," he said. "The last thing we could ever do is declare victory. We've inched away from the precipice."

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.