Electric Vehicle (Ev) History - Ford Electric Ranger 1998 Student Manual

LESSON 1: VEHICLE OVERVIEW
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ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) HISTORY

Current legistration requires the development and distribution of
zero-emission vehicles. Today, only electric vehicles qualify as
zero-emission vehicles. This legislation also states all automobile
manufacturers who sell over 5,000 vehicles a year in regulated states
must develop and manufacture electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles (EVs) were first developed in the early 1900s. These
early EVs traveled at low speeds (24 km/h [15 mph]) and had limited
range (48-64 kilometers [30-40 miles]).
Ford Motor Company began its recent EV development in 1982 with
the introduction of the ETX 1, a converted Lynx LN7. A lead-acid
battery and a 37-kW (50-hp) AC motor powered this experimental
vehicle. The ETX 2 followed. The ETX 2 is a converted Aerostar
using a refined 53-kW (70-hp) motor; several battery types were used
and tested.
In 1993, Ford began a demonstration program to help potential
customers gain real-world experience in the use of electric-powered
vehicles. With the participation of utility companies and other
commercial organizations, this program has now reached the one
million-mile mark in vehicle miles driven. The vehicle platform for
this demonstration is the Ecostar; a two-passenger electric vehicle
based on the European Ford Escort Van. This demonstration program
paved the way for production of the Electric Ranger.
1998 Ranger EV New Model Training