By 2012, Ford plans to produce battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids and hybrid electrical vehicles. All the BEV electric traction motor, energy storage system, transmission, motor controller, battery charger and other related systems will come from Magna. Ford stressed that its decision to choose Magna as its partner is based on their presumption that they will be able to produce first-class products with Magna’s help.

While Magna has been building European cars for years, this will be the first time that it will be engaging in the final assembly for an American carmaker on a contract basis.

The new BEV Ford plans to create will approximately be as big as the 2010 Fusion and will cover at least 100 miles on one batter charge, without a drop of gasoline. When battery runs low, it can be recharged using 110 or 220-volts outlets. Charging time varies on the type of outlet used. The zero emission Ford BEV is expected to function like other conventional cars but with an acceleration that is smoother.

Ford’s Group VP for Product Development, Derrick Kuzak said that the collaboration with Magna to create a Ford BEV resulted from the two companies’ joint foresight in electric transportation and their shared goal in creating a zero-emission, no-compromise, electric vehicles for the global market. More information on Environmentally Friendly Cars is on the interweb!