ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) HISTORY

Current legislation 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 was 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 ELECTRIC RANGER

The 1998 Electric Ranger is a low-volume production electric vehicle. The Electric Ranger is built on the 1998 gasoline-powered Ranger platform and is sold and serviced through Ford dealerships.

A traction battery mounted under the vehicle between the frame rails supplies the electric power. The traction battery provides 312 volts direct current (DC), which is converted to three-phase alternating current (AC) that drives the motor/transaxle.

The Electric Ranger is a rear-wheel drive vehicle and operates much like the gasoline-powered models. The most noticeable difference between the Electric Ranger and the gasoline-powered Ranger is the operating noise is very low. Because of the quiet operation of the vehicle, a motor enabled gauge is provided and is located on the right side of the instrument cluster. The motor enabled gauge indicates ON with the ignition switch in the RUN or START position and indicates OFF with the ignition switch in the OFF position or the powertrain becomes disabled.

SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle

Model Years 1998 thru 2001

Body Style Styleside, Regular Cab Pick-Up

Wheelbase Short Wheelbase of 2,831 mm (111.4 inch)

Payload 315 kg (700 lb)

Dimensions Similar to 1998 Gasoline-Powered Ranger

Performance

0-50 Mph 12.5 seconds

Top Speed 120 km/h (75 mph)

Range 93 kilometers (58 miles)

(without A/C or Heater Operation)

Powertrain

Motor High-Efficiency, 3-Phase AC Induction

Horsepower 67 kw (90 hp)

Transaxle Single-Speed Constant-Ratio

Drive Wheels Rear

Gear Ratio 12.518:1

Equipment

Standard Equipment

Dual Air Bags

Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering

Regenerative Braking

4-Wheel ABS

Aluminum Wheels

Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Optional

Air Conditioning

Battery Heater

Spare Tire and Jack