(autoinsidernews) - Ford is seriously considering the production of plug-in hybrid vehicles as part of the automaker's effort to provide vehicles powered by alternate energy sources, according to Ford's head of its hybrid program. Nancy Gioia said the automaker is considering adding plug-in hybrids, but the biggest challenge is battery technology.
Plug-in hybrids will be more expensive than other vehicles, including other conventional hybrids. Gioia said that additional tax credits may be necessary for buyers to be interested in plug-in hybrids, reports Trend.
The positive response to the recently unveiled Chevy Volt Concept, which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, has jump started interest in plug-in hybrids. Ford was the first domestic automaker to offer a hybrid with the introduction of the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Ford unveiled its first public plug-in hybrid, the Ford Airstream Concept, at the Detroit Auto Show. While the Airstream is designed to run primarily on battery power, it features a hydrogen fuel cell power unit that can charge the battery on the road.