Ford Motor Company is planning to expand its mix of electrified vehicles in China – that is to say, cars that utilize conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery electric powertrains. “By 2020, we see 10 to 25 percent of our mix being electrified, probably a majority of that being in the hybrid range and with the fastest growth in plug-in hybrids,” Ford China CEO John Lawler said at the Beijing Motor Show.
Automotive News reports that Ford’s electrified offerings in China will start later this year with the introduction of the Ford Mondeo (a.k.a. “Fusion”) hybrid. Early in 2017, it will be followed by the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid MPV, with further releases to follow.
Ford’s push to expand its electrified vehicle lineup in China is being driven largely by tightening emissions standards in the country. “The fuel economy regulations in China are the most aggressive over the next five years,” said Lawler. “The slope of that line down to greater fuel efficiency is greater than anywhere else.” According to Automotive News, incentives for so-called “new energy vehicles” (NEVs) in China apply more selectively than in many other countries, with conventional hybrids not qualifying for any government incentives, and plug-in hybrids only eligible if they can travel at least 50 miles in pure-electric mode.
The news comes several months after Ford last year announced a $4.5 billion investment into expanding its electrified vehicle range, with 13 new models planned by 2020.
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