GM isn’t the only legacy automaker that’s expanding its EV ambitions. Ford has announced the formation of a new unit called Team Edison, to develop pure EVs. It will be separate from Ford’s existing electrification efforts, which include the Fusion and C-MAX hybrid and PHEV models.

Ford says it will be adding more battery electric models, in addition to the 300-mile electric crossover it has already announced for 2020.

“We see an inflection point in the major markets toward battery electric vehicles,” Sherif Marakby, Ford’s Head of Electrification and Autonomous Vehicles, told Automotive News. “We feel it’s important to have a cross-functional team all the way from defining the strategy plans and implementation to advanced marketing.”

Marakby said Ford will launch 13 electrified vehicles over the next five years. He added that some of these will be EVs, but did not offer details or a timeline.

The new team will also explore partnerships. In July, a rumor that Ford was in talks with Lucid Motors made the rounds. In August, Ford announced a joint venture with Chinese automaker Anhui Zotye to build EVs for the Chinese market.

“We are open to partnerships, but this team will be responsible to define the strategy,” Marakby said.

Source: Automotive News