Ready to plug in your Ford? The Blue Oval certainly hopes so, as it will launch an all-electric version of the Focus (by end of 2011 in North America and Europe, the rest of the world to follow). Ford says that the Focus Electric will beat the mileage of the Chevy Volt and will be at par with other electrics (as it should, being the later entry to the market.)
There’s little to differentiate the Electric’s exterior from the standard all-new Focus; 17-inch wheels are standard. Interior highlights include a gauge cluster that uses pretty blue butterflies to indicate the car’s remaining range. Ford says that this is deliberately meant to remind people of the butterfly effect–a small change having a big effect elsewhere. This will probably be the first case of butterflies provoking extreme anxiety in humans, movies starring Ashton Kutcher aside.
The Focus Electric will have a top speed will be 136 km/h. It will use a lithium-ion battery pack developed with LG that integrates a liquid cooling and heating system, to enhance battery life and performance. Charging time is expected to be half that of the Nissan Leaf, at about three to four hours, using a 240-volt charging station (that, like your RC’s batteries, will be sold separately). The power cord, developed with vehicle electrical systems specialist Yazaki, includes a light ring that indicates proper charging and status.
Focus Electric will be one of five new electric vehicles on offer from Ford by 2013. The company is already selling the Transit Connect Electric, a commercial van.
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