Ford Focus Electric : First Look

Jay Williams - 11/January/2011

Michigan, United States - Ford has unveiled its new Focus Electric - this is the company’s first-ever all-electric passenger car.

The zero emissions, petrol-free version of Ford's popular small car is the flagship of the company's growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming to North America and Europe by 2013.

Ford group vice president for Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak said "Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles."

"Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs."

The Focus Electric will be launched in the later part of 2011 in North America and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving needs.

A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station.

Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies - including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford's global C-car platform shared by the petrol and diesel-powered Focus models, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Both Focus petrol and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the State.

For European markets, a decision on where the Focus Electric will be built is currently being finalised.

Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles included in Ford's electrification strategy. Initial deliveries of Transit Connect Electric began in North America at the end of last year and the vehicle will be launched in Europe later in 2011.

The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator, up to a top speed of 136 kmh.

Much of Focus Electric's steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it's based.

Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC telephone connectivity and MyKey for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle.

Other standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony sound system with nine speakers, Sirius Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD Radio and voice-activated Navigation System.

Just as the growing leafy vine of first-generation SmartGauge with EcoGuide represents fuel efficiency in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the cluster display in the Focus Electric uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one's charge point destination - the more butterflies there are, the greater the range.

Ford designers were inspired by the phenomenon known as "the butterfly effect," in which a small change, like choosing to drive an electric vehicle, can have an enormous impact.

To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, kilometres gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative petrol savings achieved by driving electric.

Off-board, Focus Electric owners in North America will be able to maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile app.

MyFord Mobile is an app that enables access via a smartphone or web-based interface to:

Receive instant vehicle status information
Perform key functions remotely
Monitor the car's state of charge and current range
Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in – called preconditioning.

For example, during hot summer months, owners can pre-program the car the evening before to be fully charged – and fully cooled to a particular temperature – by a certain time the following morning.

Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

The Focus Electric marks the start of an exciting new era in electric motoring for Ford.

Related Links:
- Ford Territory (2011)
- Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car (2011)
- Ken Block & 2011 Ford Fiesta in Gymkhana 3 (2010)
- Ford Focus RS by BBR (2010)
- Ford Focus RS (2010)
- Ford Focus RS500 (2010)
- Ford Territory MkII (2009)
- Ford Territory MkII (2009)
- Ford Territory (Road Test)
- Ford Ranger (2009)
- Ford Territory Turbo (Road Test)
- FPV F6 X (2008)
- Ford Focus Diesel (Road Test)