Ford to invest $4.5 billion in electrified vehicle solutions

Michael Gil via Wikimedia Commons

Ford is adding 13 new electrified vehicles to its portfolio by 2020, when more than 40 per cent of the company's global nameplates will come in electrified versions. This represents Ford's largest-ever electrified vehicle investment in a five-year period.

The new Focus Electric

On the way next year is a new Focus Electric, which features all-new DC fast-charge capability delivering an 80 per cent charge in an estimated 30 minutes and a projected 160-kilometre range - an estimated two hours faster than today's Focus Electric. The new Focus Electric, which starts production late next year, also will provide European and North American customers:

•SmartGauge with EcoGuide LCD Instrument Cluster, which offers a multitude of customisable displays that can help the driver see real-time electric vehicle power usage to help maximise vehicle efficiency.

•Brake Coach, another smart feature that coaches the driver on how to use smooth braking to maximise the energy captured through the regenerative braking system. The more energy a driver captures through braking, the more energy is returned to the vehicle's battery

•Fun-to-drive character, with agile steering and handling engineered into the vehicle to give drivers a more connected feel to the road

Ford's shift to add electrified vehicle solutions answers increasing global trends calling for cleaner, more efficient vehicles. Ford also is expanding its electrified vehicle research and development programme in Europe and Asia this year, creating a "hub and spoke" system that allows the global team to further accelerate battery technology and take advantage of market specific opportunities.

Enhancing customer experience

Ford also is reimagining how to set itself apart in the marketplace by focusing on the customer experience and not just the vehicle itself. The company is changing its product development process to support the shift.

"The challenge going forward isn't who provides the most technology in a vehicle but who best organises that technology in a way that most excites and delights people," said Raj Nair, executive vice president - product development and chief technical officer, Ford Motor Company. "By observing consumers, we can better understand which features and strengths users truly use and value and create even better experiences for them going forward," he added.