DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — So far, electric vehicles haven't been accepted in the United States, with fewer than 1.5% of new-vehicle buyers choosing them over internal combustion engines.

That surely will change as more manufacturers offer vehicles with longer range and fast-charging networks keep growing. Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Volkswagen AG, Tesla Inc. and others are placing big bets on the technology.

Next week in Los Angeles, Ford will show off an electric SUV that is inspired by the Mustang performance car. It's the company's first consumer-friendly fully electric vehicle, and it...