autoevolution
 

Ford CEO Confirms Intention of Building an EV with 200-Mile Range, the Model E

Ford is reportedly planning a Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 competitor, called Model E.
2015 Ford Focus Electric 1 photo
Photo: Ford
The new electric car from the American multinational automaker could be built at the company’s new plant in Mexico, and it might come to market in 2019. Unlike other news related to upcoming cars, this report about Ford’s latest creation has been confirmed by the company’s CEO, Mark Fields.

In a phone interview with Automotive News, Ford’s head honcho was asked about the intention of building and selling a battery-electric vehicle with a 200-mile range (320 km).

The oddly specific question was on point, as Mr. Fields confirmed that they indeed want “to be among the leaders or in a leadership position” when it comes to electric cars. He also stated that the 200-mile range electric vehicle called Model E is “something we are developing for.

The interview marks the first official confirmation from a Ford Motor Company representative regarding a future electric vehicle. Curiously, the same company announced last week that they would not launch a long-range electric vehicle anytime soon, as they believed the resulting car would be too cumbersome due to the limitations of current battery technology.

The presumed Model E is expected to be launched on the US market in 2019, so the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3 will be able to gather an impressive share of the electric vehicle market by then. As mentioned above, Ford’s latest endeavor would come from a freshly announced factory in Mexico, which is expected to bring the most recent technologies in automotive manufacturing.

Mr. Fields did not confirm the Model E name per se, but the company does hold the trademark for it and has refused to let Tesla use it for the car that has become the Model 3. Curiously, both cars have an expected range of about 200 miles (320 km), which has been deemed the minimum requirement to “alleviate consumers’ range anxiety concerns” at this month’s SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) World Congress by several speakers.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories