Not disguising their desire to fast-track development of Ford EVs with longer range, Ford bought one of the first Tesla Model X electric SUV for nearly $212,000 in a clear effort to learn as much as they can about EV and battery technology.
CEO Mark Fields stated it will introduce a long-range electrical auto that would be competitive with announced designs from General Motors and Tesla Motors that go at least 200 miles on a charge and cost around $35,000 before choices. The EV vehicle from Ford is still a mystery today but if Mark's words are true, then the auto will come out with more than 200 miles of driving range to offer.
The new 2017 model year Focus Electric will have its driving range bumped up from 122 kilometres (76 miles) to 161km (100mi).
Ford owns the trademark to the "Model E" name after registering it with the US Patent and Trademark Office in December 2013.
Ford aims to be the in the 200-mile, $35,000 electric vehicle market.
Ford now offers the Focus Electric which has a range of 76 miles and the 2017 Ford Focus Electric is expected to have an all-electric range of about 100 miles.
Nevertheless, despite now offering only about half the range of the Chevrolet and Tesla alternatives, the Ford CEO said his company wanted to lead the way in offering a new era of long-range battery-powered and hybrid vehicles. "When you look at some of the competitors and what they've announced, clearly, that's something we're developing for".
Mr. Brauer also said he believes Ford's move could force other auto manufacturers' hands in entering the EV market, adding that he anticipates rivals like Hyundai, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Company, and Volkswagen AG will soon make "similar announcements". Likely to have a price around US$29,000 ($38,000), the Focus EV will undercut upcoming electric cars from GM and Tesla.
Source: Ford plans a Model E, the 200-mile electric vehicle
No comments:
Post a Comment