Ford has confirmed its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD, and light commercial vehicle ranges by 2013.
Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011, followed by the Focus Electric in 2012 based on Ford's next-generation Focus model.
Three other vehicles will include two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid, with these set to be introduced in 2013.
Ford’s delivery of electrified vehicles to European markets aims to deliver new technology, improve fuel economy, and lower CO2 emissions for customers.
Ford tells us it is currently participating in two specific European trial initiatives to demonstrate the technology in real world driving conditions, and generate feedback to help develop further the Focus Electric and the Transit Connect Electric for market acceptance in Europe.
In the UK, along with some power companies and universities, Ford is preparing later this year to run a fleet of zero emissions prototype Ford Focus battery eectric vehicle prototypes, based around the current Focus model sold in Europe and using elements of the technology under development for the new Focus Electric.
The vehicles will be used for evaluation by a number of fleet and private customers based in Middlesex from mid-2010. The BEV research programme aims to test the technology's suitability and to gain greater insight into customer charging behaviour.
