Ford has just announced its most significant investment in its history of electrical vehicles, with $4.5 billion set to be spent expanding the marque’s portfolio of electric models by 2020.
In the next five years, Ford is intending on introducing 13 new vehicles with some form of electric propulsion. By that time, 40 per cent of Ford’s cars will be available in electrified variants. Beyond all-electric cars, the plan includes expansions in diesel fuel engines, EcoBoost technology, traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
One of the pivotal new cars in this plan will be the updated Ford Focus Electric. Set to arrive on the market next year, the Focus Electric will have a projected range of 100 miles. Additionally, it will include a fast charging system capable of charging the batteries to 80 per cent capacity in just 30 minutes. Ford also claims that the new Focus Electric will have a “fun-to-drive character” and will come standard with an advanced LED instrument cluster. It’s being continued despite slow sales of the original.
Discussing Ford’s future electric plans, executive vice president for Product Development Raj Nair said “The challenge going forward isn’t who provides the most technology in a vehicle but who best organizes that technology in a way that most excites and delights people. By observing consumers, we can better understand which features and strengths users truly use and value and create even better experiences for them going forward.”
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