Ford Motor Company’s [NYSE:F] Focus Electric will offer a 100-mile range when the 2017 model rolls in later this year, up from 76 miles at present.
However, with the similarly priced Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] Model 3 promising double the range or more, the Focus Electric is thoroughly outmatched by the competition (the same is true for the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf).
Ford may be a little behind its rivals right now but promises to deliver 13 new electrified cars by 2020, and one of these may offer a range comparable to the Bolt EV and Model 3.
Speaking during Ford’s first-quarter earnings conference this week, CEO Mark Fields confirmed work was underway on a 200-mile range electric car.
Ford CEO Mark Fields at CES 2015
"Clearly that’s something we’re developing for," he replied when asked whether Ford was working on such car.
The comments represent the first time a Ford official has confirmed work had started on a rival to the Bolt EV and Model 3. Unfortunately, there was no mention of when we might see the car.
According to reports, Ford’s contender might end up being called the Model E, a name Ford blocked Tesla from using for its Model 3. Production is tipped to take place in Mexico towards the end of the decade, suggesting the car may be based on a platform shared with the next-generation C-Max and Focus which will also be built in Mexico for North American markets.
_______________________________________
