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Former Military Base Recharging With Electric Ford Rangers In National Park Setting

19 January 2000

Former Military Base Recharging With Electric Ford Rangers In National Park Setting 
    SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19 -- Ford Motor Company today
delivered 15 Ranger EV pickup trucks and charging stations to the Presidio
Trust, bringing the federal agency one step closer toward a fleet powered
totally by environmentally responsible alternative fuels.
    The Ford Ranger EVs will be used for maintenance and rehabilitation
purposes by the Trust's Facilities staff, and complements a fleet that already
includes nine compressed natural gas vehicles, and gasoline powered cars and
trucks.
    The Presidio, a decommissioned military base that was converted into a
national park, is currently being redeveloped by the Trust as a model of
environmental responsibility.  It will be comprised of educational, business
and cultural organizations, as well as residential housing.  One of the
Trust's goals is to provide environmentally responsible transportation for
Presidio-based employees.
    "It is important for the Presidio Trust to set the tone in providing
pollutant-free vehicles, especially since we work in a national park," said
Jim Meadows, executive director for the Trust.  "I believe these Ranger EVs
will prove their worthiness so that other national parks will follow our
lead."
    Powered by advanced nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, the Ford Ranger
EV is a zero emission vehicle (ZEV), which means it produces absolutely no
smog-contributing emissions.  In addition to the environmental benefits,
electric vehicles also cost less to operate, require less maintenance and have
improved energy efficiency compared to gasoline-powered vehicles of similar
type and size.
    "A fleet of Ford Ranger EVs is perfect for maintaining the environmentally
responsible Presidio community," said John Wallace, executive director of
TH!NK Group, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company.  "These trucks are 'Built
Ford Tough' and perform just as well as the gasoline-powered Ranger, but with
zero emissions."
    The Presidio Trust was created by Congress in 1996 and is responsible for
preserving the Presidio's natural, historic and scenic resources, while making
the national park financially self-sufficient by the year 2013.
    The NiMH battery-powered Ranger EV performance is similar to its gasoline
counterpart and has a driving range of about 70 to 90 miles before recharging,
depending on factors including temperature, terrain, payload and driving
habits.  With acceleration from 0-50 mph in 12.5 seconds and a top speed of
75 mph, the trucks are also capable of highway driving.
    The Ranger EV utilizes a Power Control Station (PCS) with conductive
charging technology to recharge the vehicle's battery pack.  Since PCSs can be
installed almost anywhere, the Trust had 12 stations installed and received
three additional portable stations for use throughout the community.
    Today's announcement builds on a list of industry-leading initiatives by
Ford aimed at reducing vehicle emissions and producing more environmentally
responsible cars and trucks.
    Most recently, Ford Motor Company, in partnership with Baker Electromotive
of Rome, NY, was issued the largest contract in electric vehicle history by
the United States Postal Service (USPS).  The USPS ordered 500 electric mail
delivery vehicles, based on the Ranger EV, with the option to purchase 6,000
more.
    Last November, Ford announced plans to provide the new TH!NK city battery
electric car to the Presidio beginning the middle of this year.  The TH!NK
city will provide zero emission commuting for Presidio residents and
businesses.
    TH!NK city provides comfortable transportation for two adults and is
designed for urban driving, with a range of approximately 50 miles and a top
speed of about 50 miles per hour.  Most of the vehicle is recyclable,
including its nickel-cadmium batteries and thermoplastic body panels.
    Ford Motor Company currently offers more choices of alternative fuel
vehicles (AFVs) than any other automaker in the world, and has sold more AFVs
than all automotive manufacturers combined since 1990.  With the recent
introduction of the TH!NK city, TH!NK neighbor personal mobility low speed
vehicle, TH!NK electric bikes and US Postal Service EV, Ford Motor Company now
offers 14 AFV products that run on natural gas, propane, ethanol or
electricity.