Ford to launch five electric vehicles by 2013

Ford is now extensively testing its battery-powered electric vehicles in Europe and will launch a range of new EVs - including cars and vans - by 2013...

Ford, which seems to be getting increasingly serious about launching battery-powered electric vehicles, has now announced that it will launch as many as five new full electric or hybrid vehicles in Europe, by 2013. These five EVs will include passenger cars as well as vans/light commercial vehicles.

‘We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers,’ says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. ‘Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers' needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way,’ he adds.

‘Our goal is to provide consumers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience,’ says John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. ‘There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified vehicles and we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models,’ he adds.

Ford is also developing a range of other environmentally focused features, including advanced electric power steering, weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements and biofuel-capable vehicles. ‘Thanks to the global economies of scale afforded to us by our ONE Ford initiative, I am delighted we are able to make the commitment now to deliver these vehicles to customers in Europe, particularly as the demand for hybrid vehicles grows,’ says Fleming.

We only hope the same ‘economies of scale’ will also allow Ford to bring – sooner rather than later – its range of hybrids and electric vehicles to the Indian market as well!