Ford wants us to know it hasn’t given up on hybrids and EVs, even though it hasn’t updated its existing plug-in models since 2013. That was the message from several company execs at a recent press event in Dearborn.

Ford will introduce hybrid versions of five of its SUV models by 2020, and produce seven plug-in vehicles by 2021, promised President of Global Markets Jim Farley.

However, Ford’s new hybrids and plug-ins won’t be all about fuel efficiency. Taking a page from the Tesla playbook at Tesla, Farley said that to recoup the high cost of EV batteries, Ford will focus on performance and utility in its new electrified vehicles.

In addition to hybrid versions of most of its SUVs, from the diminutive EcoSport to the hulking Explorer, the company plans to offer hybrid variants of its star performers: the Mustang and the F-150 pickup truck – the latter will include a power take-off for contractors, RVers and home backup power. In fact, Farley claimed that Ford intends to surpass Toyota in hybrid models by 2021.

Source: Ford via Green Car Reports