Ford and utility Southern California Edison announced their alliance to test 20 rechargeable electric vehicles.
During the announcement, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said "Within five to 10 years we will start to see this technology in our hands."
But, just as with all the other automakers, Ford says such developments hinge on the development of lithium-ion batteries.
By 2009, Ford will provide 20 2008 Ford Escape Hybrids which will be reworked as plug-in hybrid SUVs. The first is to be delivered by the end of this year.
Those 20 SUVs will be handed out to customers who have electric 'smart meters' capable of monitoring their use (charge).
Ford had previously said they wanted in on the plug-in game back in April and before that in January. This partnership with SCE is just one of the first steps towards that goal.
GM has said they expect to have a plug-in Saturn Vue soon, while maintaining their work on the Chevy Volt concept. Toyota has said they are also working on plug-in hybrids. Google has also gotten into the plug-in hybrid game. Even Nissan, despite their cautious approach, has said they want a plug-in vehicle.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ford Wants in on the Plug-In Bandwagon
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Follow me on Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments posted on Hybrid Car Review will be moderated. Please avoid dropping links just for the sake of links. The comment will be deleted shortly after. Keep comments on topic and non-abusive. Thanks!