A Detroit Ford assembly plant has reopened to begin building three electric car models, reports Automotive News.
Drivers who've been waiting for Ford to up their game in the electric vehicle department can now celebrate after a 13-month long, $550 million renovation in the facility that used to make SUVs.
The new gas-powered Ford Focus model will be available for sale in early 2011, but a battery electric vehicle will be ready for sale in late 2011. At some point during 2012, a hybrid and plug-in hybrid will also be released. The regular Focus, which requires gasoline, will remain very similar to the 2010 version, according to ConsumerReports.org.
"We've modernized just about every square foot of this facility to establish a new standard for a high-tech, green, flexible and efficient auto factory," said Jim Tetreault, Ford's vice president of North America manufacturing. He also called the revamped factory "a symbol for the transformation of Ford."
Eco-friendly car owners should also be excited by the news that Ford is building a solar generator that will produce up to 500 kilowatts of power and putting 10 electric charging stations outside the factory.