Can Chicago Go Electric? Ford Taps Experts to Examine Opportunities, Challenges of Electric Cars

CHICAGO, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford Motor Company brings together local experts to discuss Chicago's electric vehicle future

• Experts from Ford, ComEd and the Chicago Department of Environment examine what the Windy City is doing to prepare for electric vehicles including infrastructure development and grid readiness  

• Over the next two years, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van (late 2010), Focus Electric passenger car (2011), two third-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids (2012) and a plug-in hybrid (2012)

• Ford is working with utilities across the country to educate consumers about what to expect from electrified automobiles and what is needed from the public and private sector to support this new technology. Chicago and Detroit are the only Midwest stops on the "Charging Into the Future – Ford Electric Vehicle Tour"

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today convened key experts from the city of Chicago and ComEd to examine critical issues related to consumer adoption of electric vehicles. Ford has been working to engage utilities, city and state governments and infrastructure providers in efforts to promote the commercialization of electrified vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and increase energy security.

"Ford has an aggressive plan to bring five new electrified vehicles to market over the next two years including the Transit Connect Electric later this year and the Ford Focus Electric in 2011," said Sherif Marakby, director of Electrification Program and Engineering, Ford Motor Company. "There is incredible excitement for electric vehicles in the Chicago area. To support the rollout and acceptance of these vehicles in Chicago and across the country, it is critical to work with local utilities and cities to make sure the necessary electric infrastructure and grid is ready for both vehicles and consumers."

Ford plans to work with utilities as well as state and local officials to address issues related to the permitting and regulations that can support electric vehicle infrastructure. An easy charging station permitting process is considered an important element for electric vehicle acceptance in the Chicago area, Illinois and across the country.  

"Electric vehicles will be a key new technology in helping to reach the goals of the Chicago Climate Action Plan," said Suzanne Malec-McKenna, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Environment. "We are excited about bringing electric vehicles to Chicago so that residents and businesses can take full advantage of the benefits these vehicles offer."

The "Charging Into the Future – Ford Electric Vehicle Tour," which kicked off at Portland State University in Portland, Ore., last month, is visiting 14 key cities to promote Ford's electric vehicle strategy as well as educate consumers about what to expect from electrified automobiles and what is needed from the public and private sector to support this new technology. Chicago and Detroit were the only two Midwest cities included in the tour.

Over the next two years, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van (2010), Focus Electric passenger car (2011), two third-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids (2012) and a plug-in hybrid (2012). These vehicles will achieve breakthrough efficiency; some, like the pure battery electric Transit Connect Electric and Focus Electric, will use no gasoline at all.

Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy that features a range of fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel technologies including EcoBoost™ engines, six-speed transmissions, electric power-assisted steering, aerodynamic improvements and light-weighting materials. Ford's electrification strategy also leverages the most fuel-efficient powertrains, the most technically competent hybrids and global vehicle platforms in order to develop affordable, fuel-efficient choices for consumers.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company