Ford to Sell Electric Pickup Here First

Ford Motor Co. said the Ranger EV pickup truck, the Detroit auto maker’s first electric vehicle to be offered to the public, will be available at 10 California dealerships starting in December. Sales of the lead-acid battery-powered pickup are expected to total about 1,000 annually and will go mostly to fleet buyers such as utility companies. The truck will be available elsewhere in the U.S. later this year. The Ranger EV costs $32,950, including the on-board charger, and can go 50 miles between charges. Auto company officials say electric vehicle demand is hindered by a relatively high sticker price and limited range. Ford becomes the latest auto maker to offer electric vehicles in California, joining General Motors Corp. and Honda Motor Co. The Ford dealers that will carry the Ranger include Downtown Family Ford in Los Angeles; Senator Ford in Sacramento; Pearson Ford in San Diego; and S&C; Ford in San Francisco.