Ford plans to introduce a battery electric commercial van in 2010 and will pair with Canadian auto parts giant Magna International to create a battery electric small car in 2011 and a plug-in version by 2012.
"Next-generation hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery powered vehicles are the logical next steps in our pursuit of greater fuel economy and sustainability,'' said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice-president of product development.
However Bill Ford, the great-grandson of founder Henry Ford and executive chairman of Ford, said lower fuel prices could dampen demand for greener cars.
"I've had a green vision for a long time and it's finally coming to fruition. And I think the country is finally ready for it,'' Ford said.
"Fuel prices and society's goals'' will drive the switch to hybrid, he said.
But "if gasoline prices remain very low, I think we're going to have to have some sort of stimulus on behalf of the administration to get people used to the idea of electric vehicles.''
This could take the form of higher gas taxes, vehicle purchase incentives, or ``a combination of things,'' he said.
In the meantime, the company is doubling its production and offerings of hybrid vehicles.
Over the past five years, Ford sold nearly 100,000 hybrid vehicles, starting with its popular Ford Escape Hybrid.
Hybrid electric vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery.
Battery electric vehicles feature a high-voltage electric motor, which takes its power from a battery pack charged by plugging in to a 110-volt or 220-volt battery.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine the two technologies.
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