Ford working on Tesla rivaling electric Model E

Ford Motor Company is developing an electric car line-up that will carry the Model E name, which will be launched in 2019.

Ford’s new foray into the electric car market will include a compact SUV, as well as a smaller Focus-based Tesla Model 3 rival. The cars will be offered as EV, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid variants - similar to Hyundai's strategy with the Ioniq - it has been confirmed to Autocar UK, and will have a 200-mile/ 320km range.

The Blue Oval blocked Tesla’s attempts to trademark the Model E moniker in 2013. This meant the electric car maker chose the Model 3 name for its forthcoming entry-level electric car, and leaves Model E free for Ford to use.

Currently, Ford offers an electric version of its Focus model, which is said to be replaced later this year.

The manufacturer has been clear in its aim not to sell its electric offerings at a loss, and it’s thought this ethos will continue for the Model E vehicles, with a spokesperson adding that it will be realistically priced - and priced to cover its costs.

Prices for Tesla’s new electric car have not been confirmed, but when it reaches the UK late next year it’s thought it'll cost around £35,000 (around Rs 31 lakh). At present, the Ford Focus Electric retails for £31,395 but only has a range of 76 miles, while the Model Es will get a 200-mile range, according to Autonews. The next-generation Focus Electric will get a 100-mile/ 160km range.

A spokesperson said the Model E line-up will be aimed at markets showing the biggest electrification potential, and that there will be no UK-only versions. The UK will only get models that also come to Europe.

Ford outlined its plans to invest $4.5 billion (approximately Rs 28,425 crore) in electric cars last year; it will release 13 new electrified vehicles by 2020.

The news follows Ford’s announcement that it will bring a commercial fully-autonomous car with no pedals or steering wheel to the mass market in 2021. Ford has not yet said what powertrains will be used for that car.