FORD ELECTRIC VEHICLE HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

1913 – 1914

Henry Ford and Thomas Edison developed at least two experimental electric vehicles together; Contrary to popular belief, Ford did not produce an electric version of the Model T.
 

1966 – 1967

Comuta – the Ford Research Staff was asked to study the possibilities of a small electric city car – the result was the Comuta experimental prototype. The Comuta was equipped with four lead-acid batteries connected in series to give 48 volts and had a top speed of 25 mph and a maximum range of 40 miles on a full charge.
 

1979 – 1980

Ford’s electric car research and development program showed off a Ford Fiesta experimental vehicle with a nickel-zinc battery that was developed jointly with Gould Inc. The top speed was 65 mph and the maximum range was 100 miles at steady driving speeds on a full charge.
 

1988

ETX-II – this electric Aerostar research vehicle, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, was first powered by a lead-acid battery and then by a sodium-sulfur battery. The ETX-II had a top speed of 65 mph and a 100 mile driving range on a full charge.
 

1991

Connecta – an electric vehicle concept that featured a sodium-sulpher battery that could be recharged by normal household current or special 220 volt outlets.
 

1992 – 1993

Ecostar – based on Ford’s European Escort, was a two seat panel van used in an 84 vehicle inner city fleet pilot program. The constant on-off, stop and go driving that takes place on city streets provided the best testing for the sodium-sulphur battery. The Ecostar panel van had a top speed of 70 mph and a maximum range of 100 miles on a full charge.
 

1998 – 2000

Ranger EV/Postal Program – the Ford Ranger at this time was the most widely distributed commercial electric vehicle. Most of the 2000 vehicles produced were sold or leased to utility companies and government agencies. The Ranger EV/Postal vehicles ran on lead-acid and nickel metal hydride batteries. The maximum speed was 75 mph and range was 30-70 miles on a full charge.

Ford Research & Advanced Engineering Europe developed the first full electric vehicle equipped with a Lithium-ion battery. The two demonstrators were based on a Ka with no compromise in the interior space. Under real-world conditions, the e-Ka provided a range of 150 km and a top-speed of 130 km/h. The e-Ka included a portfolio of advanced technologies, such as several lightweight materials and an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system.

2001 – 2002

TH!NK City and Neighbor – the TH!NK City was a compact two-seat vehicle constructed of recyclable thermoplastic and were part of a 400 unit pilot program. The City vehicles were powered by nickel cadmium batteries and had a top speed of 55 mph and a 40-50 mile range on a full charge. TH!NK Neighbor was a two or four seat personal mobility vehicle designed for short commutes around closed communities, industrial sites and private resorts. 7200 vehicles were produced. The Neighbor vehicles were powered by lead-acid batteries and had a top speed of 25 mph and a 20-30 mile range on a full charge.
 

2004

Escape Hybrid -- the first hybrid electric production vehicle from Ford debuts.