Ford is plugging into the electric car revolution with a promise to bring a new range of zero emission vehicles to global markets over the next four years, including electric versions of the Focus and an unspecified small car.

The plug-in Focus is being developed jointly with supplier Magna International and will be ready in 2011.

Before then, a plug-in commercial van will be ready in 2010 and Ford intends to deliver the next-generation of hybrid vehicles, including new plug-ins, by 2012.

Ford also plans to electrify its coming global mid-sized car platform, or Fusion-sized car.

Bill Ford, Ford's chairman, sad: "Ford is heading in the direction America and our customers want us to go, which is a green, high-tech and global future."