Ford readies mix of all-electric and plug-in hybrids

[jpak]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10207323-54.html

Amid questions over the viability of General Motors and Chrysler, Ford will detail its fuel-efficient car strategy and show off an all-electric Focus and hybrid Fusion sedan on Wednesday.

Company executives are scheduled to demonstrate the cars and update its "sustainable mobility technology" plans at the New York International Auto Show. The company says it is on track to bring both all-electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles using a new generation of lithium ion batteries to market starting next year.

The company already offers hybrid vehicles that use a combination of a gasoline engine and a battery, charged by regenerative braking. Next year, it will release an all-electric commercial Transit Connect van, which is expected to have a range of 100 miles and top speed of 70 miles per hour.

Ford is also working with auto supplier Magna International to release an all-electric compact sedan in 2011, which will get about 70 percent better mileage than non-hybrid models. This car will be a Focus-size vehicle that will go 100 miles on a charge, said Greg Frenette, the assistant chief engineer of battery electric-vehicle applications at Ford.

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[tinrobot]

1. Great news...

Seems that, while GM is being a big drama queen, Ford is slowly and deliberately getting their act together. I think they'll do well with these new cars.

Now if they can only hire some new designers to make the bodies more appealing.

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. Re: Now if they can only hire some new designers to make the bodies more appealing.

I think one of the designers we have trouble with is physics.

After the oil shock of the 70's, aerodynamics became a serious part of car design, and it seemed like cars lost their distinctive styles.

[tinrobot]

3. True...

But the new Tesla manages to look hot and still have low drag.