COLOGNE, Germany – Ford is to introduce a comprehensive family of electrified vehicles in Europe by 2013. Hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles will all play an important role in Ford’s commitment to provide a portfolio of affordable and fuel-efficient technologies for millions of global customers.

The One Ford approach of developing electrified versions based on high volume global platforms, rather than single vehicle derivatives, allows Ford to leverage its global scale to meet the growing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles around the world.

Ford is set to release the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid into Europe by 2013, as well as a yet-to-be announced next-generation hybrid vehicle. These will all leverage Ford’s powersplit hybrid architecture and use lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery systems than previous hybrid vehicles to offer outstanding fuel-efficiency.

The C-MAX Energi, Ford's first-ever production plug-in hybrid vehicle, is based on the new C-MAX five-passenger multi-activity vehicle, and targets more than 800km (500 miles) of driving range using the battery and engine combined, plus offers further benefits of the plug-in technology including:
• Pure electric driving range, perfect for emissions-free and silent city driving
• Potential consumer savings on energy and fuel costs thanks to improved fuel efficiency over a standard hybrid
• Increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources (e.g. wind and solar), where available, for vehicle recharging
• Reduced environmental impact through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

Ford will have two zero-emission battery electric vehicles in their new five model electrified line-up, the Transit Connect Electric and the all-new Focus Electric. The zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle goes on sale in European markets this summer following its successful launch in North America, in December 2010. The first European fleet to order the vehicle, The Norwegian Post, has committed to a first batch of 20 Transit Connect Electric Vans, to support sustainable goods transport in their day-to-day business.

The pure electric derivative is based on a long-wheelbase version of the successful Transit Connect, which was launched in 2003 in Europe and introduced to the US in 2009.

Transit Connect Electric builds on Ford's relationship with its electric vehicle partner, Azure Dynamics, as well as their shared experience with battery supplier, Johnson Controls-Saft.

Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive battery electric drive train into the Transit Connect Electric, which will have a targeted range of 130 km or 80 miles on a full charge and zero tailpipe emissions.  Force Drive™ components have previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than 35 million miles of on-the-road experience.  Transit Connect Electric will offer fleet owners the opportunity to eliminate the use of petrol and help to lower operating costs.  The vehicle is badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure’s Force Drive logo.

The all-new Focus Electric will be launched late this year in North America and 2012 in Europe and will be Ford’s first ever all-electric passenger car. The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford’s global C-car platform shared by the combustion-engined Focus models now available in Europe and North America.

“Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs.”