DETROIT — Ford on Monday indicated that its electric vehicle strategy is on track for a rollout of several vehicles in the coming years, including a battery-electric passenger car developed jointly with auto supplier Magna International by 2011. The Dearborn automaker gave the update on its vehicle electrification plans at the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers’ World Congress here.

In a statement, Ford said it will use lithium-ion battery systems to power a pure battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010; the battery-electric passenger car developed with Magna International by 2011; and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle by 2012.

In research presented to the gathering, Ford said lithium-ion battery systems will be 5 percent more energy efficient and less costly than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in today’s hybrid electric vehicles.

“Ford is strongly positioned to accelerate its electric vehicle strategy this year thanks to the significant research we’ve already completed,” said Susan Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering. “Our collaborative work with suppliers and partners will help us be one of the first automakers to bring the next generation of personal transportation to market.”

Inside Line says: Ford provides engineers — and the rest of the world — with an optimistic update on its work to develop electric vehicles. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent