Ford's new Electric Vehicle: First Details Revealed

Ford battery electric vehicles

Full-electric vehicle will debut in 2012

An article in the Detroit News about Ford's ongoing electric vehicle program has let a few facts slip out about the upcoming "battery electric vehicle" (BEV) that Ford says it plans to bring to market by 2012.

Developed in conjunction with the plug-in Escape Hybrid that's due to debut a year before it, the BEV will be based on the new global Ford Focus platform which debuts in 2010, and will be a fully electric vehicle, with no gasoline engine component. Ford is aiming for the vehicle to have a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. "Project M," as it has been internally dubbed, is a joint venture between Ford and Magna International, Inc.

Critics are already wondering if a 100-mile range will be enough for the average commuter. The upside to Ford's Focus-based BEV is reduced cost; with less complexity than a hybrid and most of the construction sourced from a single supplier - Magna. Ford's BEV will likely cost much less than the Chevrolet Volt, whose starting price has been estimated in the $40,000 range.

Source: Detroit News

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genie

So just to clarify, everyone is lording the Volt as the best thing since free porn, and it does 40miles on a charge, yet a EV Ford Focus (basically) which will be cheaper and can do 100 miles on a charge, is criticised? That makes sense.

February 2, 2009 9:29 pm

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Homerlovesbeer

Genie; 1: the Volt also has a petrol motor that allows for a far greater range if required and; 2: It actually looks good and excites people unlike Fords effort which hardly raises the dead.

February 3, 2009 3:49 am

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WildMaverick1200

When designing these eco friendly cars, why do manufactures don't seem to give a sh1t about the appareance?? Why they necessarily have to be an eyesore?? I mean, people would have an excuse to buy them if they were great looking, but with that horrible shape, who's gonna buy that?

February 2, 2009 11:12 pm

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WildMaverick1200

That's the current US Ford Focus....of which they've moved nearly a couple hundred thousand. btw, please proofread before posting. Thanks!

February 3, 2009 1:29 am

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trekkerbin

Wow, pure electric car, that is courageous. I think that FORD must focus on the battery reliability, as well as the battery deterioration rate. These must be first concerns to the buyers.

February 3, 2009 2:00 am

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