News · 28 Mar 2016 · Car Deal Expert Editorial Team
Originally published 2016-03-28T23:43:04+00:00. This article is part of the CarDealExpert historical archive — see our latest UK car-finance, insurance and used-car coverage in the menu above.
Small electric cars like this haven’t caught on in the U.S., but consumers there are finally catching on to the idea of green vehicles. (Photo: Flickr)
Electric cars have been around since the beginning of automobile history, but their lower speed, high battery cost, limited range between chargings, charging time and overall battery lifespan have limited their commercial appeal. However, as Ford Motor Company’s Executive Chairman Bill Ford suggested to the 2010 SAE World Congress, the market is changing fast. Mainstream consumers, reports the Detroit Free Press, are buying into the idea of electric cars like never before. As long as consumers know what they’re looking for in electric cars, they can help drive the trend forward.
Electric cars | Breaking the mileage barrier
Lack of range has been perhaps the biggest strike against electric cars during their history. But Ford announced plans for “five new high-mileage vehicles” that will help reduce the massive carbon footprint that traditional fossil fuel-burning internal combustion engine vehicles have left behind. Plans for electric cars like the Transit Connect Electric commercial van, Ford Focus electric, two gas-electric hybrids and a plug-in hybrid provide fans of green vehicles good reason to be excited.
Greater fuel economy across the board
In addition to new electric cars, Bill Ford assured the SAE World Congress that the Ford Motor Company is working on greatly improving the fuel efficiency of all of its vehicles. Part of improving fuel efficiency will include technology like Eco-Route software, which will plot the most fuel-efficient route available for the driver. In addition, operating all internal functions of Ford vehicles will become easier and safer, as MyFord Touch consoles will enable drivers to quickly control everything from a single console.
Has Ford recovered from the recession?
“Nobody is getting cocky, or overconfident,” Bill Ford exclaimed. He realizes that the company still has a long way to go, but Ford is determined to lead the green vehicle movement. The company’s stock gained market share in the U.S. and Europe at the end of trading yesterday ($13.76 per share, 41 cents higher than the previous day’s closing). The Free Press indicates that also exceeds the company’s 52-week low ($3.27 per share) more than four times over.
(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/f-r-a-n-k/ / CC BY 2.0)
Related Video:
From the current CDE newsroom
JLR mild-hybrid power-loss recall: what UK owners must checkJLR mild hybrid recall: which 2019-2024 MHEV Range Rover, Defender and Jaguar models are affected and how UK o...
Car finance redress opens 30 June 2026: what premium owners must do nowCar finance redress opens 30 June 2026. The FCA scheme returns about £7.5bn to drivers, roughly £830 per agree...
Lexus TZ UK: 330-mile six-seat EV due 2027Lexus TZ UK: the six-seat electric SUV reaches Europe in 2027 with up to 330 miles WLTP range and an estimated...
Buyer action
Where to check next
Use this as the final check before paying a deposit, signing finance paperwork or relying on a headline monthly figure.
