Focus-Based Ford Electric Car Set for 2010

Stepping into the hybrid world and rushing to electrification is undoubtedly a main task for most automakers around the world as gasoline prices skyrocketed in the last months and governments pushed companies to alternative sources of power. And since Ford is one of the car manufacturers that struggles to face the economic downturn, adopting such a strategy is a must this year in order to be sure it stays in business. At least this is what analysts think. But one thing is sure: Ford is indeed accelerating its efforts in hybrid and electric models developments and the first model is expected to arrive in 2010 as model year 2011.

But more importantly, The Detroit News reports that  the upcoming electric car will be based on the global Ford Focus platform and won't include a gasoline engine for extended autonomy. The electric unit will provide approximately 100 miles on a single charge (this means zero emissions and fuel consumption) which should be enough taking into account that most Americans travel about 40 miles a day, to and from work.

Market analysts share a different opinion though. Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham said launching a full line of electric models is extremely risky these days as consumers aren't fully ready for such cars. "It's psychological. They're going to have to re-educate consumers,” he was quoted as saying by The Detroit News.

On the other hand, Ford continues its efforts with a new agreement with battery producer Johnson Controls-Saft to develop lithium-ion battery packs for the upcoming Ford commercial plug-in hybrid.

“As we move toward greater electrification of vehicles, we can achieve much more by working together toward a common goal,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The work we are investing in today on both the vehicles and the connectivity to the nation’s electric grid will pay off with real-world vehicles for customers in the very near future.”