Ford Ranger EV Leads North American Electric Vehicle Sales with 1,000th Vehicle

DEARBORN, Mi., May 24, 2000 -- The Ford Ranger EV has earned the title of the most popular electric vehicle in North America as it prepares to celebrate a significant milestone.

The Ranger EV pick-up truck is celebrating the production of its 1,000 th vehicle since its introduction in 1998.  All signs pointed to a good year for 2000 when, in the first quarter, customers had already laid claim to 500 of the 600 vehicles planned for production for the entire year.

Sales have continued to rise since the Ranger EV entered the market in U.S. and Canada two years ago.  Selected Ford dealerships certified to sell and service the vehicles are expanding as well.  New locations in Louisville, Kentucky; Jacksonville, Florida and Vancouver, British Columbia have brought the total to 47 dealerships.

"As a leader in alternative fuel vehicles, Ford Motor Company is committed to developing and selling zero-emission battery electric vehicles," said Mike McCabe, marketing manager for TH!NK Technologies, the engineering organization for the Ranger EV.  "We are building a sustainable market for electric vehicles, while continuing to develop fuel cell and hybrid electric technologies for the future," he added.

A variety of industries use the Ranger EV in fleet operations, including electric utilities and government agencies.  For example, the Presidio Trust, a former San Francisco military base converted into the model of an ecologically responsible community, received 15 Ranger EV's in January and is using the vehicles to provide its staff with zero-emission transportation.

The lead-acid (PbA) battery-powered Ranger EV has a range of about 50 miles before recharging and accelerates from 0-50 mph in 12.5 seconds, similar to its gasoline counterpart.  The top speed is about 75 mph and conductive recharging takes about six to eight hours.

In 1999, Ford, in partnership with Baker Electromotive of Rome, New York, won a contract from the United States Postal Service (USPS) for 500 electric mail delivery vehicles, with the option to order a total of 6,000 units.  This order for the USPS electric vehicle, based on the Ranger EV chassis, is the single largest electric vehicle order in U.S. history.  Putting this many electric vehicles on the road is a significant step toward creating a sustainable market in selected applications for electric vehicles.

In addition to the Ranger EV, Ford is committed to bringing other electric vehicles to the marketplace.  The company's new TH!NK Group is charged with developing and marketing innovative solutions for environmentally responsible personal mobility.  TH!NK's product portfolio currently includes the TH!NK city,  a two seat electric urban car; the TH!NK neighbor,  a two or four seat low speed neighborhood electric vehicle and two electric bicycles, the TH!NK bike fun and the TH!NK bike traveler.  The TH!NK city is currently available in Norway, with a North American model planned for the end of next year. Sales of the electric bikes start in July, with the TH!NK neighbor going on sale later this year.  Both products can be ordered on the internet at www.thinkmobility.com.

Ford Motor Company offers more choices in alternative fuel vehicles than any other automaker in the world and currently offers products that run on electricity, natural gas, propane and ethanol.

Ford news releases and high-resolution photographs are available on the Ford Motor Company media Web site (http://media.ford.com).  Photographs are provided to the news media at no charge.  The company holds the copyright for this material, which is provided for editorial use only.  Personal or commercial use is prohibited.  Call the Media Information Center at 800-665-1515 for immediate assistance from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and to 6 p.m. on Friday.