- Ford commits to introduce five full-electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2013 as part of its
global electric vehicles plan
- Zero-emission Ford Transit Connect Electric to launch in 2011, followed by Focus Electric in 2012
- Two new hybrid-electric models and a plug-in hybrid-electric model will follow in 2013
Ford Motor Company has confirmed that its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with
five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges heading for
European customers by 2013.
Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit
Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012. Three other
vehicles – two petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013.
Ford’s global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of
markets and build on the company's overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology
solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions
for customers around the world.
"We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers," said 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."
As Ford's global product vision accelerates to ensure that all the company's vehicles competing in
global segments become common in Europe, North America and Asia, the resulting efficiencies will allow
a global portfolio of environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be developed based around
hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles.
"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,"
said 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," Fleming added. "This is
further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European
consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives
from Ford."
Zero-Emission
The first models to be launched in Europe will be zero-emission, full-electric versions of two
significant models in Ford's global product portfolio.
The Focus Electric will be based on Ford's next-generation Focus model and is one of at least ten
vehicles that will be developed from the company's new global C-car platform. Focus Electric will be
introduced in the US and Canada in 2011, followed by Europe in 2012.
The Ford Transit Connect Electric is a zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the
award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and goes on sale in North America later this
year. Ford is aiming to make the Transit Connect Electric available for European customers from 2011.
Future Hybrids
While Ford has considerable experience in the North American market with full petrol-hybrid vehicles,
the company also is planning to expand its presence in Europe with two all-new, next-generation hybrid
passenger cars based on global platforms in 2013.
In addition, European customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid model, also coming in 2013.
"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 models to customers in Europe, particularly as the
demand for hybrid vehicles grows," added John Fleming.
Further details of Ford's hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.
Prototype Trials in Europe
Ford's Product Development team is participating in two specific European trial initiatives to
demonstrate the technology in real world driving conditions, and generate feedback to help develop further
the Focus Electric and the Transit Connect Electric for market acceptance in Europe.
In the UK, a consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Strathclyde University is
preparing later this year to run a fleet of zero emissions prototype Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle
prototypes, based around the current Focus model sold in Europe and using elements of the technology
under development for the new Focus Electric.
The vehicles will be used for evaluation by both SSE and a number of fleet and private customers based
in Hillingdon, Middlesex from mid-2010.
This new UK-based BEV demonstration fleet is being provided partly with public funding from the UK
Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry-led projects that reduce
CO2. The BEV research programme aims to test the technology's suitability and to gain greater insight into
customer charging behaviour.
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