The giant automotive companies with electric vehicle interests take a global view. For example, GM has its Adam Opel and other subsidiaries across the world and Daimler AG is active on many fronts. Now smaller automotive companies such as Tara International, Tesla Motors, Peraves, Bluebird Automotive, eCRP and Alke' are also expanding globally with electric vehicles. A similar thing is happening with aerospace companies involved in electric aircraft such as EADS and boat companies, even small ones such as Kopf Solarschiff.
Ford may be about to overtake Honda to become number two on-road electric vehicle manufacturer in the world by numbers produced. It has recently re-opened its Michigan Assembly Plant that has been re-vamped for the production of the new electric version of its Ford Focus model. The Focus Electric zero-emission battery-powered vehicle is scheduled to go into production late this year at the plant, followed by production of its new C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012.The Michigan Assembly Plant will be the first in the world capable of producing battery electric, hybrid electric and plug-in electric vehicles on the same line, said Ford, because it has spent $550m in overhauling the plant to make its production more flexible to accommodate electric vehicles. The plant also features one of Michigan's largest solar-powered generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations.
"Michigan Assembly Plant epitomises the best of what Ford stands for - fuel efficiency, quality, smart technology," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas unit of Ford.
With its flexible manufacturing system, Ford workers will be able to build multiple models on one or more platforms in the same facility.
For more attend Electric Vehicles - Land Sea Air Europe 2011
which has now been renamed from Future of Electric Vehicles to reflect its unique covering of the whole subject.
Also read Electric Vehicles 2011 - 2021 .
Image source: Ford