Ford Comuta Electric Car 1967 A Vintage EV Revolution

The Ford Comuta, introduced in 1967, was a pioneering electric vehicle that foreshadowed today’s EV revolution with its compact, battery-powered design. Developed as a response to growing urban pollution and fuel concerns, this experimental city car featured a 48-volt electric motor and a range of 60 miles—remarkable for its era. Though never mass-produced, the Comuta proved Ford’s early vision for sustainable mobility and remains a bold milestone in automotive innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Pioneered urban EV design: The 1967 Comuta showcased Ford’s early vision for compact electric mobility.
• Limited range, lasting impact: Its 60-mile range was modest but inspired future EV innovations.
• Lead-acid batteries: Early tech choice revealed challenges in weight and efficiency for EVs.
• Retro styling with function: Lightweight fiberglass body balanced efficiency and 1960s aesthetics.
• Prototype to policy: Comuta proved EVs could meet city needs, influencing later regulations.
• Charging breakthroughs: Introduced 110V home charging, a precursor to today’s EV infrastructure.

The Birth of an Electric Vision: The Ford Comuta Electric Car 1967

In an era dominated by roaring V8 engines and chrome-laden sedans, a quiet revolution was brewing under the hood of a diminutive prototype that would foreshadow the future of transportation. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 stands as a bold testament to innovation, a time capsule of foresight that challenged the status quo of fossil fuel dependency. While the 1960s were synonymous with muscle cars and the space race, Ford engineers in the UK quietly developed a vehicle that would become a pioneer in the electric mobility movement—decades before “zero-emission” became a global mantra. This unassuming, bubble-shaped city car was not just a prototype; it was a declaration that the future of urban transportation could be clean, efficient, and accessible.

The Ford Comuta emerged at a time when environmental concerns were beginning to surface, though not yet mainstream. With urban air quality declining and the first whispers of oil crises on the horizon, Ford’s European division took a daring leap. The Comuta wasn’t built to break land speed records—it was engineered to solve a different problem: how to move people efficiently through congested cityscapes without polluting the air. Its compact size, electric propulsion, and forward-thinking design made it a standout in an industry still enamored with gasoline. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 wasn’t just a car; it was a vision of a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable urban future—one that would take nearly half a century to fully realize.

The Historical Context: Why 1967 Was a Pivotal Year for Electric Mobility

Post-War Urbanization and the Rise of the City Car

The 1960s marked a turning point in urban development. Cities across Europe and North America were rapidly expanding, with increasing traffic congestion, parking shortages, and rising pollution levels. In this climate, automakers began exploring alternatives to traditional vehicles. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 was conceived in response to these challenges, particularly in the UK, where narrow city streets and high fuel prices made small, efficient vehicles highly desirable. The Comuta was Ford’s answer to the growing need for a practical urban commuter—compact, affordable, and easy to charge.

The Oil Crisis and Early Environmental Awareness

Though the first major oil crisis wouldn’t occur until 1973, the 1960s laid the groundwork for energy awareness. Environmental movements were gaining traction, and the first Earth Day (1970) was on the horizon. The Comuta was developed during a period of increasing scrutiny on industrial pollution and automotive emissions. Ford’s engineers recognized that electric vehicles (EVs) offered a cleaner alternative, especially when paired with the UK’s growing nuclear and hydroelectric power infrastructure. By choosing electricity over gasoline, the Comuta represented a proactive step toward energy diversification.

Ford’s European Innovation Hub

Unlike Ford’s American operations, which focused on large, powerful vehicles, the company’s European division—particularly in the UK and Germany—was more open to innovation in small-car design. The Comuta was developed at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, England, a hub for experimental engineering. This European focus allowed Ford to experiment with new technologies without the pressures of the U.S. market, where gas-guzzling muscle cars reigned supreme. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 was a product of this unique environment—a European vision of American automotive ingenuity.

Design and Engineering: The Anatomy of the Comuta

Exterior and Chassis: A Bubble on Wheels

The Ford Comuta’s design was radical for its time. With a length of just 10 feet (3 meters) and a width of 5.5 feet (1.68 meters), it was one of the smallest cars ever produced by Ford. Its rounded, egg-like shape—reminiscent of the BMW Isetta or Messerschmitt KR200—maximized interior space while minimizing aerodynamic drag. The body was constructed from fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material that reduced overall weight to just 1,100 lbs (500 kg). This lightweight construction was essential for maximizing the range of its limited battery system.

Electric Powertrain: The Heart of the Revolution

At the core of the Comuta was its 10-horsepower (7.5 kW) electric motor, powered by four 12-volt lead-acid batteries (48V total). The motor was mounted at the rear, driving the back wheels through a simple two-speed automatic transmission. Unlike modern EVs with regenerative braking, the Comuta used a traditional friction-based system, which limited efficiency but kept the design simple. The powertrain was designed for short-range city driving, with a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h)—perfect for urban traffic.

One of the most impressive features was its charging system. The Comuta could be plugged into a standard 240-volt household outlet, with a full charge taking approximately 8–10 hours. Ford even included a built-in charger, a rarity in the 1960s. This meant owners could charge the car overnight, just like modern EVs—a concept decades ahead of its time.

Interior and Ergonomics: Minimalist Efficiency

Inside, the Comuta was spartan but functional. It seated two adults in a tandem layout (driver in front, passenger behind), maximizing cabin space. The dashboard was minimal, with only essential gauges: a speedometer, battery charge indicator, and a simple gear selector. The steering wheel was small and upright, and the pedals were spaced close together for ease of use. Despite its simplicity, the interior offered surprising comfort for its size, with padded seats and a surprisingly roomy footwell.

The car’s compact size made it ideal for city life. It could fit into spaces no conventional car could, and its tight turning radius allowed for effortless maneuvering through narrow alleys and crowded streets. For urban dwellers, the Ford Comuta electric car 1967 wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a solution.

Performance and Practicality: How the Comuta Stacked Up

Range and Charging: Urban-Centric Capabilities

The Comuta’s 48V lead-acid battery system provided a range of 40 miles (64 km) on a full charge—enough for most daily commutes in the 1960s. While this may seem modest by today’s standards (modern EVs like the Tesla Model 3 can exceed 300 miles), it was revolutionary for its era. Most city trips in the 1960s were under 10 miles, and the Comuta’s range was more than sufficient for errands, school runs, and short business trips.

Charging was straightforward. Ford designed the Comuta with a charging port on the rear panel, allowing users to plug in at home, in parking garages, or even at public charging points (which, while rare in 1967, were beginning to appear in some European cities). The 8–10 hour charging time was a limitation, but it aligned with typical work schedules—plug in at night, drive by morning.

Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Responsive

Driving the Comuta was unlike anything else on the road. With no engine noise and minimal vibration, the ride was eerily quiet—a stark contrast to the roar of contemporary gasoline engines. Acceleration was smooth and linear, thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque. The two-speed transmission eliminated the need for shifting, making it ideal for stop-and-go city traffic.

However, the Comuta wasn’t built for speed. Its 40 mph top speed meant it was unsuitable for highways, but this was intentional. Ford designed it as a city car, and its performance reflected that mission. The suspension was basic but adequate, with front coil springs and rear leaf springs. While not luxurious, the ride was comfortable enough for urban driving.

Real-World Use Cases: A Car for the People

Ford envisioned the Comuta as a vehicle for the masses—particularly for urban workers, delivery personnel, and retirees. Its low operating cost (electricity was much cheaper than gasoline in the 1960s) and minimal maintenance (no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems) made it an affordable option. In fact, Ford estimated that the Comuta’s running costs were 50% lower than a comparable gasoline-powered car.

One practical example: a postal worker in London could use the Comuta to deliver mail across a 20-mile route, returning home to charge overnight. Or a small business owner could use it for local deliveries without worrying about fuel costs. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 was designed for real-world utility, not just as a technological showpiece.

Challenges and Limitations: Why the Comuta Never Made It to Mass Production

Battery Technology: The Achilles’ Heel

The biggest obstacle to the Comuta’s success was its battery system. Lead-acid batteries, while reliable and affordable in the 1960s, were heavy, had low energy density, and degraded quickly. The Comuta’s 48V system weighed over 400 lbs (180 kg)—nearly 40% of the car’s total weight. This limited range and reduced efficiency. Additionally, batteries required regular maintenance (watering, cleaning terminals) and had a lifespan of only 3–5 years.

Ford knew this was a limitation. In internal reports, engineers noted that lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries could improve performance, but these technologies were still in their infancy and prohibitively expensive. Without a breakthrough in battery tech, the Comuta remained a niche solution.

Market Perception and Consumer Resistance

Despite its innovation, the Comuta faced skepticism from consumers. In the 1960s, electric vehicles were associated with golf carts and delivery vans—not with personal transportation. Many drivers were wary of the “range anxiety” that would later plague modern EV adoption. The idea of plugging in a car overnight seemed foreign, and the lack of a backup engine (unlike hybrid concepts emerging at the time) made people nervous.

Ford also struggled to position the Comuta. Was it a car? A scooter? A glorified toy? Its unconventional design and tandem seating made it hard to market to traditional car buyers. Without a clear target audience, the project stalled.

Economic and Strategic Factors

Internally, Ford was hesitant to commit to electric vehicles. The company had invested heavily in internal combustion engines (ICE) and saw little incentive to disrupt its own business model. Additionally, the oil industry’s lobbying power and the lack of government incentives for EVs made it difficult to justify the Comuta’s production costs. By the early 1970s, as the oil crisis loomed, Ford shifted focus to fuel-efficient gasoline cars instead of doubling down on electrification.

Ultimately, only a handful of Comuta prototypes were built, and the project was quietly shelved. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 became a footnote in automotive history—a brilliant idea ahead of its time.

Legacy and Influence: How the Comuta Shaped the Future of EVs

Inspiring Future Generations of Electric Cars

Though the Comuta never reached production, its legacy lived on. In the 1990s, Ford’s engineers revisited the concept with the Think City, a modern electric car that echoed the Comuta’s compact design and urban focus. The Think City, produced in Norway, borrowed heavily from the Comuta’s philosophy—small, efficient, and city-centric.

More broadly, the Comuta demonstrated that EVs could be practical, affordable, and desirable. Its emphasis on urban mobility, low operating costs, and environmental benefits foreshadowed the values of today’s EV market. Modern cars like the Renault Twizy, Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, and even the Tesla Model 3 owe a debt to the Comuta’s pioneering spirit.

Lessons for Modern EV Design

The Comuta’s design offers valuable lessons for today’s automakers:

• Size matters: The Comuta’s compact dimensions made it perfect for cities—a lesson that’s now being applied to micro-EVs like the Microlino and City Transformer.
• Simplicity is key: By eliminating complexity (no transmission, minimal electronics), the Comuta reduced costs and maintenance needs.
• Charging infrastructure is critical: The Comuta’s built-in charger highlighted the importance of user-friendly charging—a lesson that modern networks like Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America have embraced.

A Symbol of Sustainable Innovation

Today, the Ford Comuta is celebrated as a symbol of sustainable innovation. It’s featured in museums, including the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, UK, and is often cited in discussions about the history of electric mobility. For historians, it’s a reminder that the EV revolution didn’t start in the 2010s—it began decades earlier, with visionaries like those at Ford’s Dunton Centre.

The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 may not have changed the world in its time, but it planted a seed. That seed has since grown into a global movement—one that’s finally embracing the future the Comuta envisioned.

Data Table: Ford Comuta vs. Modern EVs (2023)

Feature	Ford Comuta (1967)	Renault Twizy (2023)	Smart Fortwo Electric (2023)
Top Speed	40 mph (64 km/h)	50 mph (80 km/h)	78 mph (125 km/h)
Range	40 miles (64 km)	62 miles (100 km)	90 miles (145 km)
Battery Type	Lead-acid (48V)	Lithium-ion (22 kWh)	Lithium-ion (17.6 kWh)
Charging Time	8–10 hours (standard outlet)	3–4 hours (home charger)	6–7 hours (home charger)
Weight	1,100 lbs (500 kg)	992 lbs (450 kg)	2,200 lbs (1,000 kg)
Seating	2 (tandem)	2 (side-by-side)	2 (side-by-side)

Conclusion: The Comuta’s Enduring Message

The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 was more than a prototype—it was a prophecy. In an era of gas guzzlers and smog, Ford dared to imagine a different future: one where cities were quieter, cleaner, and more livable. Though limited by the technology of its time, the Comuta’s core principles—compact design, electric propulsion, and urban practicality—remain as relevant today as they were in 1967.

As we navigate the challenges of climate change and urbanization, the Comuta reminds us that innovation doesn’t always require waiting for the perfect technology. Sometimes, it’s about having the courage to try. The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 didn’t revolutionize the automotive industry in its time, but it lit a spark—one that has since ignited a global electric revolution. Its legacy lives on in every silent EV gliding through city streets, proving that the future Ford envisioned over 50 years ago is finally here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Ford Comuta electric car 1967 designed for?

The Ford Comuta was a prototype urban electric vehicle designed in 1967 to address growing concerns about pollution and fuel efficiency in city environments. It targeted short-distance commuters with its compact, lightweight design and zero-emission electric motor.

How fast could the 1967 Ford Comuta go?

The Ford Comuta electric car 1967 had a top speed of around 40 mph (64 km/h), making it suitable for city driving but not for highway use. Its limited speed reflected its focus on practicality for urban commuters.

Why didn’t the Ford Comuta enter mass production?

The Comuta remained a prototype due to limited battery technology and low demand for EVs at the time. Ford prioritized conventional vehicles, and the project was shelved despite its innovative design.

What made the Ford Comuta stand out from other EVs of its era?

The Comuta featured a futuristic fiberglass body, tandem seating, and advanced nickel-cadmium batteries for its time. Its compact size and focus on sustainability were ahead of the 1960s EV market.

How long could the Ford Comuta 1967 battery last on a single charge?

The Comuta’s battery offered a range of about 60 miles (97 km) on a full charge, sufficient for daily urban commutes. Charging took several hours, which was typical for early EVs.

Is the Ford Comuta considered a precursor to modern electric cars?

Yes, the Ford Comuta electric car 1967 is seen as an early vision of today’s urban EVs, showcasing Ford’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable mobility. Its design and purpose mirror modern compact EVs like the Nissan Leaf or Mini Cooper SE.