Ford promises five electrified vehicle models by 2012

April 1, 2010

Ford's all-electric Focus will be available from 2011

The Ford Motor Company promised a “suite” of five different electrified vehicles for North America and Europe yesterday, ahead of the New York motor show.

The manufacturer said its long-term plan was to have compact, midsize and commercial electrified vehicles on the North American market by 2012.

These will include the Transit Connect Electric – a light commercial vehicle – along with the electric Ford Focus, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and two battery-powered hybrid vehicles.

Two new all-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric will be launched later this year (see this BrighterEnergy.org), while the Focus Electric will arrive in 2011.

Three other yet-to-be-named hybrid vehicles will follow in 2012, Ford said.

Ford said its strategy was to offer a “wide range” of lower-carbon transport options, rather than seeking to pick a winner.

“We recognize that one technology does not work for all our customers – hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles each offer distinctly different advantages,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

“By leveraging our global platforms, we are able to offer a range of solutions as part of a strong product lineup that meets the needs of a variety of customers.”

Ford is transforming its assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, in a $1 billion program to prepare for the new Focus Electric and other vehicles including two hybrid vehicles.

The company will also be designing and developing its battery systems in-house, moving battery pack production from Mexico to Michigan.

Partners

As the market for electric vehicles expands, it will have a significant impact on home energy consumption and demand across the nation’s energy grid” - Steve Ballmer, Microsoft

Meanwhile, Ford is teaming up with a number of technology suppliers and utility partners to help accelerate the commercialization of electrified vehicles, it said.

Yesterday saw the launch of a partnership between Ford and software giant Microsoft, which promises to develop a new way for consumers to manage their energy use in using plug-in electric vehicles.

The partnership will promote Microsoft’s Hohm software application, which already allows consumers to connect to their local utility to monitor and manage their home’s energy usage.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, said: “As the market for electric vehicles expands, it will have a significant impact on home energy consumption and demand across the nation’s energy grid.

“With Microsoft Hohm, Ford and Microsoft will deliver a solution that will make it easier for car owners to make smart decisions about the most affordable and efficient ways to recharge electric vehicles, while giving utilities better tools for managing the expected changes in energy demand,” explained the Microsoft chief.

Ford has been working with technology suppliers including Ontario-based automotive engineering firm Magna International, electrification upfitter Azure Dynamics and the Electric Power Research Institute, along with more than a dozen utilities, to push the commercialization of electrified vehicles.

Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification, said: “The collaborative work we’re doing today is essential to supporting the launch of our plug-in vehicles starting later this year.”

“Our customers deserve and will demand a convenient and seamless interface between the vehicle and the grid – one that is easy to use, fast to interface with and engaging or fun.”