► Ford reveals future EV and hybrid plans
► 13 new models, including an electric SUV
► Hybrid Mustang, Transit Custom and F-150
Ford has announced plans to launch 13 electrified vehicles in the next five years, including hybrid versions of the ever-popular Mustang and F-150.
So far, the company’s confirmed seven of the upcoming hybrid and EVs. The most notable is an all-electric SUV, with a claimed 300-mile range. It’s due to arrive in 2020 and will be available in Europe, North American and Asia.
What else is planned?
Ford will be producing a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom van, set to be offered in Europe in 2019, as well as a hybrid F-150 for North American and Middle Eastern markets. The pick-up, which is due in 2020, is stated to feature ‘powerful towing and payload capacity, and will operate as a mobile generator’.
There will also be an autonomous hybrid car by 2021, designed for ride sharing and hailing businesses, two new hybrid police pursuit vehicles and a – get this – hybrid Ford Mustang.
Wait – a hybrid Mustang?
That’s right – the iconic fossil fuel-powered pony car will get a hybrid powertrain in 2020. It’ll be offered in North America to start with, and is mooted to deliver V8-like power but far more low-end torque.
Refreshingly, Ford says that one of its key aims for many of its new hybrids and EVs is to ‘make them even more capable, productive and fun to drive’. Here’s hoping that statement proves true, and that the new cars don’t focus solely on chasing incredulous low emissions and claimed fuel economy figures…
Any other news?
Ford will be investing over £570 million in new facilities at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant, in order to build the new models, creating some 700 new jobs over the course of the next four years.
The renewed focus on EVs and hybrids is part of Ford’s gradual shift towards becoming a ‘mobility’ company, providing vehicle services and technology – like route planning and EV fleet management – as well as the cars themselves.
Mark Fields, president and CEO of Ford, said: ‘As more and more consumers around the world become interested in electrified vehicles, Ford is committed to being a leader in providing consumers with a broad range of electrified vehicles, services and solutions that make people’s lives better.
‘Our investments and expanding lineup reflect our view that global offerings of electrified vehicles will exceed gasoline-powered vehicles within the next 15 years.’
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