Ford Invests in Production of Electrified Vehicles

Ford Invests in Production of Electrified Vehicles

A $135 million investment will help create new jobs and more fuel-efficient options for customers

Ford is America’s largest domestic producer of hybrid vehicles. The brand that launched the Escape Hybrid in 2004 and the Fusion Hybrid in 2010 recently announced that it would be investing $135 million in the design, engineering and production of key components for next-generation hybrid-electric vehicles that are going into production this year.

The $135 million investment will help Ford create new green jobs, double its battery testing capabilities and send more hybrid and electrified vehicles to market up to 25 percent faster. More specifically, Ford plans to double its battery-testing capabilities, to 160 individual battery-test channels, by 2013; this will include using more of the specialized machines that test and simulate power, performance, battery life and thermal behavior over a wide range of potential operating conditions and temperatures.

Additionally, a 285,000-square-foot research and development lab in Dearborn, Michigan, will be dedicated solely to Ford hybrids and electrification. This lab, which houses most of the 1,000 engineers working on electrification and hybrid programs, was formerly known as the Advanced Engineering Center but has been renamed the Ford Advanced Electrification Center. Ford added 60 engineers to its electrification team in the last year and expects to fill dozens more positions this coming year.

By bringing research, development and production of hybrid and electrified vehicles in-house, Ford has been able to make hybrid engines more efficient and more affordable. Expanded battery-testing capabilities will allow Ford engineers to collect, analyze and apply large amounts of data quickly and modify tests when necessary; the result will be completed projects in 25 percent less time than what was necessary for previous-generation hybrids.

Buhler Ford’s investment will give customers the benefit of more fuel-efficient choices and even better value. Compared to the cost of the previous-generation hybrid system, Ford’s current hybrid system will cost 30 percent less. Ford will have five electrified vehicles this year as part of its “Power of Choice” strategy to produce leading fuel economy across its lineup and triple its production capacity of electrified vehicles by 2013. These five electrified vehicles are:

Focus Electric: America’s most fuel-efficient compact car with 110 miles per gallon equivalent, or “MPGe,” city, the Focus Electric has a four-hour charge time with its available 240-volt charging station, nearly half the charge time required by the Nissan Leaf. Production began in late 2011.

C-MAX Hybrid: This model is EPA-certified to deliver 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg city (at least three mpg more than Toyota Prius v) and 47 mpg combined, and features more technology and better performance at a base price that is $1,300 lower than the Prius v.

C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: Projected to achieve 95 MPGe with a total range of 550 miles, this model’s MPGe is more than three times that of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, per EPA testing methods, and is coming this fall.

All-new Fusion Hybrid: Also coming this fall, this model beats out the Toyota Camry Hybrid by five mpg highway, with an expected 47 mpg.

Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Ford aims to make this model the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world; production will begin by the end of 2012.

“The good news for customers is that they not only have more choice, but they have faster access to Ford’s latest and greatest in fuel-saving technologies and vehicles,” stated Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering Joe Bakaj. “This stems directly from our decisions to deliver true power of choice by expanding our dedicated electrified vehicle team and further investing in our facilities.”

Ford’s increased investment in electrified vehicles has resulted in a rapid growth in the number of people working on them, and has brought together talented engineers and innovators from diverse backgrounds. Many of these professionals have experience in the field of aerospace, working on rockets, jets, satellites, missiles and unmanned aircraft.

“We know what it takes to build world-class hybrids and are building on that expertise,” stated Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering Director Kevin Layden. “We’re continuing to invest so Ford can continue to lead in the delivery of top fuel economy, durability and driving dynamics in our electrified vehicles.”

Stop by Buhler Ford at the Jersey Shore in Eatontown, NJ for a test drive!