Ford to Bring EVs to New York

As one of the last carmakers in the world to launch an electric vehicle, American manufacturer Ford is stepping up its efforts to get both the customers and the logistics ready to receive what it promises to be an entire line of EVs.

The last such development is the partnership signed with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), which will see the two developing consumer outreach and education programs, as well as finding the best and most cost effective ways to bring EVs to New York.

“Ford plans on bringing five new electrified vehicles to market over the next two years including the Transit Connect Electric later this year and the Focus battery electric in late 2011,” said Sherif Marakby, Director of Electrification Programs and Engineering at Ford.

“We know there is an incredible excitement for electric vehicles in the New York area and across the country. To support the rollout and acceptance of these vehicles, it is crucial to work with utilities, like NYPA, to make sure the necessary infrastructure is ready.”

The first electric vehicle to be launched by Ford is the Transit Connect electric, which will be followed on the EV segment by the Ford Focus battery electric in 2012, the Ford C-MAX-based Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in 2013, and an yet undisclosed HEV in 2013.

The Connect electric has already entered two European trial initiatives, in the UK and Germany, with its local partners Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and RheinEnergie AG, respectively.