Ford: All-Electrics by 2011, Plug-in Hybrid by 2012

Other manufacturers, such as Toyota, GM, etc. have previously announced dates, or at least plans, for plug-in hybrids.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) differs from a conventional gas-electric hybrid such as the Toyota Prius or Ford's own Fusion Hybrid in that they have larger batteries and can run longer on batteries only, usually in the 30 - 40 mile range. This would mean no gas use for those short trips Americans frequently make. However, the extra battery power also means that the car needs to be plugged in overnight to fully charge the batteries.

Ford is also planning a fully electric model for 2011, prompted, said the Detroit News, by partner Magna International driving up to Ford HQ in a fully electric Ford Focus they had converted in secret (pictured).

Lisa Drake, Ford's chief engineer for hybrid programs commented:

"It was a phenomenal car. We were highly, highly impressed."

GM, Nissan and Chrysler have said they will sell fully electric vehicles in the U.S. in 2010.

The highly publicized Chevrolet Volt, due out in November 2010, is a special case. Chevrolet calls it an E-REV (extended range electric vehicle) because as opposed to a plug-in hybrid, the gasoline engine in the vehicle is never used to propel it. Instead the electric motor alone is used, and the gasoline engine is really a generator.

Ford is currently testing its plug-in technology on the Escape, which makes sense because Ford has been selling a hybrid version (with Toyota technology) since 2004.

Ford's electric car will be based on its new global Focus platform, due out in 2010. It will have a range of 100 miles on a charge which is plenty for most Americans (on a daily basis), according Ford.

Yes, for commuting, that (in general) would be enough. At the same time, for some that would barely be enough. For now, it would seem, plug-in hybrids or even regular hybrids are still likely the best solution for most.