Ford will build hybrid Mustang, electric SUV and autonomous car by 2021 ~ station of gear

Ford confirms plans for a major EV push, including plug-in hybrid Mustang, F-150, Transit and fully electric SUV with 300 mile range

2017-01-03 16:30

Ford has shocked showgoers at the 2017 CES show by announcing a wave of new low emissions vehicles are in the pipeline. The Blue Oval will launch a hybrid Mustang, a hybrid F-150 pick-up, a plug-in hybrid Transit van, a fully electric SUV and an autonomous mass-market ride-sharing vehicle by 2021.

The announcement confirms seven out of a total of 13 "global electrified vehicles" due to arrive in the next five years. It's part of a $700m investment in Ford's Michigan assembly plant that will also see 700 jobs added to the facility in the same timescale. A total of $4.5bn will be invested in the EV programme overall.

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The most significant development is what's described as an "all-new fully electric small SUV". It'll arrive by 2020, promises a battery range of 300 miles and will be sold in North America, Europe and Asia. In the same year, hybrid versions of the Mustang sports car and F-150 pick-up truck will go on sale in North America (the latter will also head to Middle East).

A Europe-specific plug-in hybrid Transit Custom will launch in Europe in 2019, too. The F-150 and Transit Custom will be the first hybrid models powered by Ford's EcoBoost turbo petrol engines rather than naturally aspirated units.

In 2021, Ford plans to launch a "high volume autonomous vehicle designed for commercial ride hailing". That will launch in 2021 in North America, aiming to take on brands such as Uber and Volkswagen's new start-up MOIA in offering a ride-sharing service.

What do you think of Ford's EV and hybrid plans? Let us know in the comments...

Lawrence Allan

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