04 March 2010 - Ford: 5 electric or hybrid models by 2013

Ford have today announced the expansion of their electric vehicle programme to Europe. The first two models will be pure electric with three subsequent petrol electric hybrid offerings completing the line up.

The Transit Connect Electric will debut the technology in 2011 closely followed by a Focus Electric in 2012. Ford are currently testing a current generation electric Focus in the UK as part of the Government’s Technology Strategy Board backed Battery Electric Vehicle demonstration fleet and are confident that the systems will be thoroughly market ready by launch. This confidence is enhanced by the fact that the Focus Electric and Transit Connect Electric will be available a year earlier in North America.

Ford haven’t released details of the petrol electric hybrid models other than to say that all of the electric and hybrid models will be based on C (Focus), CD (between Focus and Mondeo including C-Max) and light commercial ranges. One of the three hybrids will offer plug in capability which will mean that it will be eligible for the Government incentive of up to 25% (up to a maximum of £5,000) of the list price if it can meet the 75 g/km CO2 limit. Both electric models will automatically qualify. The hybrid models are due to be launched in 2013 one year before the end of the incentive scheme.