Ford Bringing All-Electric Car in 2011

Today at the Detroit auto show, Ford announced plans for an array of products featuring new technology, including a plug-in hybrid. Most surprising, though, were its plans for an all-electric vehicle to go on sale in 2011.

While we've taken similar plans from Chrysler with a healthy dose of skepticism, the plans Ford unveiled today include a partnership with a major supplier – Magna – and what appear to be lots of specific details about the vehicle itself. Ford says it will have a range of 100 miles on a full charge. Ford is using a Focus as the test car, and the large battery pack that's taking up the entire floor of its trunk would have to be redesigned for a viable production car. Check out the photo below. 

Other news involves an electric commercial vehicle to go on sale in 2010 that will be based on the Ford Transit small van. Ford says it will roll out its plug-in hybrid in 2012. The company says its test fleet of plug-in Ford Escape Hybrids – check out coverage of it from last year’s show -- is returning 120 mpg, but the EPA hasn’t decided how it will rate plug-ins when they go on sale. Those cars travel 30 miles on a full charge before the hybrid engine kicks in.  

Comments

[Alex Andrew]

I hope Ford within next 5 years will beat all forging and domestic Auto manufacturer when it come to quality & durability.

[Don]

I wait in ernest for an electric car and am thrilled(!) that the Green Forces are winning. Not a good thing, but all this talk of hybrids and electric cares COMING is hurting the care market somewhat.

[tommy newsom]

I drive a 1915 model T Ford, daily. It is an original vehicle. The transmission is a piece of engineering art work. I have faith in Ford Motor Company to reinvent itself in the spirit of Henry Ford. I encorage Ford to produce a car with the staying power of the Model T. For example; my Model T still has it's original wooden wheels. Heck; With the exception of the top, paint, and the tires, it is completely original. Henry did it. Do it like Henry. Keep us rolling Ford.

[Hybrit]

The article I read today says Magna did all the design work on the electric Focus, and that the drivetrain will be sold to anyone who wants it. Magna is also designing its own body to house the drivetrain that Ford is purchasing.

[Michael p. Riley]

please give me one of your ford magna cars,so I can promote the ford plug-in car down south. toyota is promoting 300 plug in cars in california,I think at google. I've worked at TOURO hospital for 20 years and live 23 miles from work. I would be the best test model commuter in hot new orleans la.weather. The plug -in is the future! p.s.please let me test your car!

[crossomotive]

I've been waiting for this stuff to come out.

[rearviewed]

I just saw that from an auto magazine yesterday & indeed. It is a must-wait stuff.