Ford Partners w/ Magna to Build and Sell an Electric Vehicle by 2012

January 15, 2009 · Filed Under Electric Vehicles (EV), Green Automakers

With the announcement in Detroit of an all-electric vehicle for 2012, Ford Motor Company appears to be the most forward-leaning and nimble of the major American automakers.

From our friends at Autobloggreen :

Ford’s electric car will be targeted specifically at consumers, and built in partnership with Magna. The goals that have been set are a 100-mile operating range on a full lithium-ion battery charge. The car will initially be produced in volumes between 5,000 and 10,000 units annually, with a focus on urban markets. If it takes off, they’ll ramp things up.

Of course there may be a few other obstacles to overcome first…

This is where the infrastructure changes become critical, and shows why they’re such a giant stumbling block to broad EV acceptance. While urban use may be ideal from a driving standpoint, it’s a complete nightmare from a parking/charging one. Ask, say, a Manhattanite where they might park, let alone park and plug in, their theoretical EV, and they will fall down laughing.

Would an all-electric car fit into your lifestyle? Would you buy one?