Ford certifies first 67 dealers to sell Focus Electric src="http://bioage.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c4fbe53ef016765f245bf970b-400wi"/> Ford Motor Company has certified the first 67 dealers in California, New York and New Jersey to sell the battery-electric 2012 Focus Electric. (Earlier post.) Those three states represent markets that account for a large percentage of electrified vehicle sales and will begin seeing the Focus Electric later this spring. By the end of the year, Focus Electric will be available nationwide. Certification means the dealerships have met the automaker’s guidelines for dealers selling electric vehicles, including installation of at least two onsite charging stations and participation in training in the field of electric vehicles. Requirements to become certified include: One of the two required charging stations at the dealership must be in the customer area and the other must be in the service area. Participation in a Ford Go Green Dealer Onsite Facility Assessment to identify energy and cost saving opportunities with a goal of facilitating energy efficiency, lower operating expenses and carbon footprint reduction. At least one Focus Electric must be available at all times for demonstrations and events. Of the sales consultant, sales manager, service advisor and service manager jobs at each location, 80% must meet specific electric vehicle training certification requirements that cover topics including advanced knowledge of electrification Each showroom will have point-of-purchase display materials including digital assets and window signage. Focus Electric has been certified by the EPA to offer 110 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe. Focus Electric also offers a faster charging system that allows for a full recharge in nearly half the time of the current Nissan Leaf thanks to a larger on-board charger (6.6 kW vs. 3.3 kW). A value charging feature powered by Microsoft is designed to help owners charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates. Production of the Focus Electric began in December 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. After first being available in California, New York and New Jersey, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the US by summer’s end, nationwide by the end of the year.

Ford Motor Company has certified the first 67 dealers in California, New York and New Jersey to sell the battery-electric 2012 Focus Electric. (Earlier post.) Those three states represent markets that account for a large percentage of electrified vehicle sales and will begin seeing the Focus Electric later this spring. By the end of the year, Focus Electric will be available nationwide. Certification means the dealerships have met the automaker’s guidelines for dealers selling electric vehicles, including installation of at least two onsite charging stations and participation in training in the field of electric vehicles. Requirements to become certified include: One of the two required charging stations at the dealership must be in the customer area and the other must be in the service area. Participation in a Ford Go Green Dealer Onsite Facility Assessment to identify energy and cost saving opportunities with a goal of facilitating energy efficiency, lower operating expenses and carbon footprint reduction. At least one Focus Electric must be available at all times for demonstrations and events. Of the sales consultant, sales manager, service advisor and service manager jobs at each location, 80% must meet specific electric vehicle training certification requirements that cover topics including advanced knowledge of electrification Each showroom will have point-of-purchase display materials including digital assets and window signage. Focus Electric has been certified by the EPA to offer 110 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe. Focus Electric also offers a faster charging system that allows for a full recharge in nearly half the time of the current Nissan Leaf thanks to a larger on-board charger (6.6 kW vs. 3.3 kW). A value charging feature powered by Microsoft is designed to help owners charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates. Production of the Focus Electric began in December 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. After first being available in California, New York and New Jersey, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the US by summer’s end, nationwide by the end of the year.