Ford's Tesla Model 3 competitor could be called the 'Model E'

Look out, Tesla and Chevy: Ford is working on a 200-mile EV, too.

SEE ALSO: Tesla planning cheaper EV that 'most people can afford'

Ford CEO Mark Fields confirmed on Thursday during the company's first-quarter earnings conference call that the carmaker is indeed working on a long-range mass-market EV.

Specifically, when asked if Ford would create a car to challenge the Chevy Bolt and the Tesla Model 3, Fields said, “Clearly that’s something we’re developing for.” Adding that Ford aims to be “among the leaders or in a leadership position” in the electrified car market.

Here's where this story goes from "yeah, and?" to "what the what?"

According to an Automotive News report, the affordable 200-mile-range Ford EV could be called the "Model E." This is more than wild speculation; Ford has a pending trademark on the moniker.

While Fields declined to give an on-sale date for the long-range EV, it is reportedly going to go into production at a new plant in Mexico in 2019.

Likely, many of you are wondering how and why Ford would tread so closely to the Tesla nomenclature. Let me remind you, Tesla's Model whatever naming template was cribbed from Ford anyhow. Lest we forget the Model T and Model A Fords.

Sure, it's a bit sneaky for Ford to go after Tesla's Model 3 with its own Model E, but all is fair in love and car making, let's say.