Ford takes aim at Volt, to triple EV production by 2013
Ford said it will triple production capacity of electric vehicles by 2013 as it plans to roll out its C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012.
The automaker said that it makes more sense to expand production of electric C-MAX vehicles instead of bringing a gas-powered seven passenger version to market. C-MAX vehicles are already on sale in Europe. The company has sold more than 100,000 C-MAX vehicles in Europe since a late 2010 launch.
According to Ford, it will have five electrified vehicles in North America next year. Those vehicles will include the Transit Connect Electric and Focus Electric in 2011 and the two C-MAX models and a next-gen hybrid in 2012.
When finished its production ramp, Ford will be able to make more than 100,000 electrified cars a year.
Among the key points:
- The C-MAX Hybrid will use lithium ion batteries, which are lighter and smaller than nickel-metal-hydride power supplies.
- Top all-electric speeds for the C-MAX Hybrid will top the Fusion Hybrid's 47 mph mark.
- Ford is designing its C-MAX battery packs in-house.
- The C-MAX Energi will have a 240-volt charging system and will be designed to have a longer driving range than rivals. Ford said C-MAX Energi will top the Volt in recharging time and range.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com