Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Ford reports 400% increase in electrified vehicle sales

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
Well, well, it seems American drivers are now caught up in the electric car buzz. After Nissan announced a LEAF shortage in the U.S., Ford reported electrified vehicle sales of 46,197 units through June -- more than 400% higher than the volumes of a year ago.

In order to remain competitive in the future, Ford will expand its electrification engineering team by nearly 50%, growing to 500 salaried employees, and invest an additional $50 million in electrified product development and testing centres in Dearborn, Michigan.

Enhancements to all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles will include:
  • Increasing the maximum pure electric speed from 100 km/h to 137 km/h;
  • Optimizing the climate control system to minimize use of the air conditioning compressor and reduce the energy used in cold weather operation;
  • Reducing engine warm-up times by up to 50% to enable electric-only driving and engine shutdown at stops sooner after cold starts;
  • Reducing the electric fan speed as a function of coolant temperature to minimize the fan’s energy consumption;
  • Optimizing the use of active grille shutters to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Products wearing the Blue Oval badge aren't the only ones to enjoy a boost, mind you. Strong demand has led Lincoln to increase the production mix of MKZ Hybrid from 20% to 40% of total MKZ production.

Ford electric
Photo: Ford

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada