Ford confirms forthcoming 200-mile EV
Just last month, Ford executive Kevin Layden claimed that Ford was not yet interested in developing an electric vehicle with 200 miles of range because the 100 miles already offered by the Ford Focus Electric was more than enough for most people’s daily driving needs. However it would appear the auto giant has since had a change of heart, with CEO Mark Fields recently confirming that the company is planning to launch a 200-mile EV after all. Fields did not give any timing or pricing details for the new model that press speculation suggests will be called the Model E.

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is developing an electric vehicle that would be competitive with the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3, CEO Mark Fields said today.

Fields, asked whether the automaker intended to offer a battery-electric vehicle with a 200-mile range, said Ford wants to be “among the leaders or in a leadership position” as more automakers introduce long-range battery-powered cars.

“Clearly that’s something we’re developing for,” Fields said on Ford’s first-quarter earnings conference call.

Fields’ comments, while lacking details, are the first time a top executive with the company has acknowledged specific plans to directly challenge Tesla Motors and the Bolt.

Fields didn’t say how soon such a vehicle could go on sale. Ford is expected to call it the “Model E” and assemble it starting in 2019 at a new plant in Mexico that the company announced earlier this month.