- Ford unveils its first plug-in battery-powered passenger car.
- The Focus Electric is one of five new electric vehicles due from Ford by 2013.
- It can be fully charged in half the time of the Nissan Leaf.
DETROIT — Ford's new Focus Electric, built in Michigan and on sale in late 2011, is the latest entry in the company's growing stable battery-powered vehicles. Ford said the Focus Electric, on display next week at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, will have a mileage-equivalency rating that's one mile per gallon better than the Chevrolet Volt, and its lithium-ion battery pack can be charged in half the time required by the Nissan Leaf.
Clearly aimed at younger, tech-savvy buyers, the five-door hatchback will come with a "driver information suite" that bundles a special version of MyFord Touch along with MyFord Mobile, a new smartphone app that enables owners to monitor vehicle functions and settings while on the go.
The Focus Electric also will come with a 120-volt "convenience cord" for charging at any standard outlet. An extra-cost item is the 240-volt wall-mounted home charging station that enables the Focus Electric to be fully charged in three to fours.
The electric motor will enable a top speed of 84 miles per hour.
Among the standard features on the Focus Electric are electronic traction control, six airbags, hands-free telephone connectivity, pushbutton start, 17-inch alloy wheels, Sony audio system with CD and MP3 player, Sirius satellite radio with Travel Link and voice-activated navigation.
Both the gasoline and electric versions of the 2012 Focus for North America will be assembled at Ford's Wayne plant in Michigan.
Inside Line says: A little late to the party, but with some clever touches. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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watkinst says:
03:05 PM, 06/02/2011
This could be my first ever Ford. With our current vehicle use I could even see my wife and I having two of these for nearly 98% of all our vehicle use. Then pick up a used SUV or keep our old beater Land Cruiser for road trips that extend beyond the standard EV range.
Very interesting. The Leaf was a great idea but looks too much like a cheap econo box designed by a short bus student.
ecaldera1997 says:
08:18 PM, 01/09/2011
Does anyone else think that the front end looks a bit like an Aston Martin???
mikes12 says:
11:46 PM, 01/07/2011
But...no 480V charger with the focus...:(
With the leaf, 30 mins gives you 80% charge...that is fantastic for shopping trips etc. Drive 70-80 miles, go into a mall, come out with another 80 miles of range.
nelsonlu says:
07:34 PM, 01/07/2011
Ford said a while ago that the Focus EV would be priced at about the same level as the Leaf.
jmaroun says:
02:47 PM, 01/07/2011
I'd guess this car will run $25k after tax incentives. Looks like win win for Ford and the peoples.
darknick says:
02:10 PM, 01/07/2011
"enables the Focus Electric to be fully charged in three to fours."
I think that should read three to four hours...
angry_mushroom says:
01:53 PM, 01/07/2011
I really dig the Aston grill. Hopefully the ST will look even better.
kelikelvin says:
01:01 PM, 01/07/2011
I don't think the aston martin grill really works too well on the electric focus
ktoepke says:
12:43 PM, 01/07/2011
Edmunds' Green Car Advisor posted more info today on the Focus Electric. --Kelly
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2011/01/finally-2012-ford-focus-ev-unveiled-at-vegas-electronics-show.html
felonious says:
12:07 PM, 01/07/2011
Impressive. Wife is still set on the Focus ST though. :)