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Ford Rules Out 200-Mile EVs for Now

The head of Ford Motor Co.’s electrified vehicle development says the company has no immediate plans to double the 100-mile range of its Focus electric sedan.
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The head of Ford Motor Co.’s electrified vehicle development says the company has no immediate plans to double the 100-mile range of its Focus electric sedan.

Kevin Layden, director of electrification programs and engineering, tells Automotive News that 100 miles per charge is sufficient for most daily commuters. He also notes that eschewing longer-range capacity cuts weight and reduces vehicle cost.

Layden’s assertion comes as rivals General Motors, Nissan and Tesla ready EVs that promise at least 200 miles of driving per charge. AN notes that the consensus of an EV panel at last week’s SAE World Congress in Detroit was that a range of at least 200 miles will be necessary to win over drivers who worry that EVs lack sufficient range to suit their needs.

Still, Ford may change its view. AN points out at in December the carmaker announced a $4.5 billion plan to overhaul its lineup of hybrid, plug-in and all-electric models.

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