REFILE-UPDATE 3-Ford sees plug-in hybrids in 5-10 yrs

(Refiles to make UPDATE number conform between slug and headline) (Recasts to show Ford plug-in hybrids in 5-10 years)

By Bernie Woodall

ROSEMEAD, Calif., July 9 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Chief Executive Alan Mulally said on Monday he expects the company to sell plug-in hybrids in five to 10 years.

"Within five to 10 years we will start to see this technology in our hands," Mulally on the sidelines of a press event to announce an alliance between Ford and utility Southern California Edison to test 20 rechargeable electric vehicles.

When asked if that meant plug-in hybrids would be available on showroom floors, Mulally said, "Yes. Sure."

Mulally said the rollout of Ford plug-in hybrids is dependent on advancements to lithium ion batteries that will be charged by the car's owners using regular household electrical outlets.

He declined to give a more precise production target, saying: "I can't go further than that. We will know a lot more in the next few years."

The comments were the first time Ford has offered a timeline for producing plug-in hybrids.

The alliance between the No. 2 U.S. automaker and the second-biggest U.S. electric utility is a first of its kind.