Ford outlines EV plans

Motoring giant Ford has revealed more about its plans for battery electric vehicles (BEV), with the first car set to hit the market in 2020.

Its strategy includes making charging an effortless experience at home and on the road, along with offering full-vehicle over-the-air software updates.

“Throwing a charger in the trunk of a vehicle and sending customers on their way isn’t enough to help promote the viability of electric vehicles,” says Sherif Marakby, Ford vice president, autonomous and electric vehicles.

Ford’s BEV manufacturing plan will be more efficient, with a projected 30% improvement in labour efficiency allowing the company to redeploy employees to do other jobs, including assembly of battery packs.

It plans to have six EVs on the road by 2022.

Ford also plans on offering several hybrid models, including the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape and Bronco, which it says will help protect customers against higher gas prices.