American motor manufacturer Ford has confirmed the first twenty cities in the United States that will sell its new electric car. The Ford Motor Company said the cities have been chosen to sell the new Focus Electric when it hits the market in late 2011.

The car's motor will be powered by a 23-kwh lithium-ion battery and use a liquid heating and cooling system to extend the life of the battery and, therefore, the driving range of the car.

Ford says that the vehicle, its first all-electric passenger car, will travel 100 miles on a full charge and the first US markets have been named as Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; New York; Orlando, Florida; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; Raleigh Durham, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

Ford says it chose the cities because of factors including the number of hybrid cars already purchased there and support from utility companies and local government.

Mark Fields, President of the Americas, Ford Motor Company, said: "As the country continues to build up its electric vehicle infrastructure and demand for the Focus Electric grows, Ford will continue to evaluate additional markets and consider making this vehicle available in more cities across the country."

* Rival Nissan Motor Company has started production of its all-electric car the Leaf at its Oppama plant in Japan. The zero-emissions car is predicted to go on sale in December in Japan and the United States, and in Europe in 2011.

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: "Consumers are clear. They want sustainable and affordable mobility."