Ford Invests $4.5bn in Electric Vehicles, Says 40% of Models Will Have EV Option by 2020

Over the next five years, Ford is adding 13 new electrified vehicles to its portfolio. By 2020, more than 40 percent of Ford’s automobile models will come in electrified versions.

The $4.5 billion investment is Ford’s largest electric vehicle investment in a five year period.

The new Focus Electric will be the first off the line. It is scheduled to start production in late 2016. In addition to its all-new DC fast-charge capability, which will deliver an 80 percent charge in an estimated 30 minutes and projected 100-mile range, the new Focus Electric will include the following energy-efficiency features:

• SmartGauge with EcoGuide LCD Instrument Cluster: Customizable displays that can help the driver see real-time EV power usage to help maximize vehicle efficiency.
• Brake Coach: A smart feature that coaches the driver on how to use smooth braking to maximize the energy captured through the regenerative braking system. The more energy a driver captures through braking, the more energy is returned to the vehicle’s battery

According to Ford, the dramatic increase in the number of electric models is in response to increasing global trends calling for cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

Photo credit: Ford Focus Electric via Shutterstock