The green machine
Ford Focus Electric, which is set to emerge as a strong electric car, has a mileage of over 100 miles per gallon. The 23kWh lithium-ion battery used in this car takes less than four hours to get charged via a 240v outlet. This car can hit a high speed of 80mph. This electric car has got a sleek and stylish look and is spacious enough to accommodate four passengers comfortably. This car will come with one trim option with leather seats. The Ford Focus Electric will sport modern equipments including audio systems by Sony and USB/SD/Analog Video connections. Ford has used its new and improved Ford Sync technology in this car and has built the fabric seats of this car using post-consumer recycled materials.
Green factor
The Ford Focus Electric is a zero-emission car powered by an electric motor which derives energy from a 23kWh Li-ion battery pack. This green car will compete with Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf in the rapidly expanding green cars market. The range of this electric car is around 100 miles, which according to Ford is enough to meet the daily requirements of most Americans. The battery used in this car can be charged fully in around 4 hours using a 240 V power source. The battery can also be charged using a 120-volt convenience cord. The bio-foam seat cushions of this car are made using recycled fabrics, which are eco friendly. The advanced navigation system present in this car helps the drivers in selecting the most energy-efficient route. The drivers will also know about the energy consumption at the end of each trip.
The powertrain
This electric car with a mileage of over 100 miles per gallon is powered by an electric motor, which is driven by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery. This battery can be charged fully in less than four hours using a 240v outlet. The Ford Focus Electric can hit a high speed of 80mph. The output of the electric motor is 123 horsepower and it delivers 181 lb.-ft./246 Nm of torque. The torque is supplied to front wheels via 1-speed transmission.
The highs
This car is completely eco friendly because it is powered by a battery-powered electric motor. The battery used in this car takes around 4 hours using a 240 V power source. The MyFord Touch technology used in this car will allow the drivers to see important information including the batteryâs charge. The EcoGuide system used in this car allows the drivers to know about the fuel efficiency. The mileage of this car is 100 miles per gallon, which is higher than many other electric vehicles available in market. Ford has used MyFord Mobile app in this car, which allows the driver to monitor batteryâs charge. This hatchback has got an attractive look. This car is a perfect machine for those who want to do their bit for environment by riding around in a zero emission vehicle. The Ford Focus Electric helps the drivers to use an internet-based energy management system named Hohm. Ford has developed this system in partnership with Microsoft. Hohm allows the drivers to achieve the lowest utility rates because it help them when to charge this hatchback.
Cost and availability
Priced at $39,995, the Ford Focus Electric is expected to hit the road in January 2012.
Word around the web
Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for global product development, said:
The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle. Whether people want a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery-electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles.
Martin LaMonica of CNET said:
By cutting out gasoline altogether, Ford may be the first production car to break the 100 miles per gallon mark.
