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.

Ford releases photos of Focus Electric NASCAR pace car

PRESS RELEASE

APRIL 16, 2012

* Ford's innovative marketing campaign for the 2012 Focus Electric continues as NASCAR selected the car to be the first-ever all-electric pace car, leading the field for the Sprint Cup Richmond 400 on April 28

* Ford was also first to use a hybrid to start a NASCAR event when the Fusion Hybrid served as pace car for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008

* Ford research shows that approximately 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR. Additionally, Ford race fans are 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than general market consumers

* Ford also was the first to show off a 2013 model race car when it unveiled its new 2013 Fusion stock car in January

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is again making NASCAR history this month as the all-new Focus Electric becomes the first all-electric pace car to ever lead the field for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Richmond 400.

The all-new Focus Electric will perform all pace care duties at Richmond International Raceway on April 28.

"Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs – from EcoBoost®-powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics."

Approximately 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR, according to Ford research. Additionally, Ford race fans are 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than general market consumers.

This marks the latest in a line of groundbreaking moments for Ford in NASCAR. In addition to being the first manufacturer to compete with a four-door sedan as its flagship model in 1998, Ford was also first to use a hybrid to start a NASCAR event when the Fusion Hybrid served as pace car for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008.

In January, Ford became the first manufacturer to show off its 2013 NASCAR race car when it unveiled the new 2013 Fusion racer to media in Charlotte, N.C.

The Focus Electric pace car will be unveiled for the public at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on April 25. Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling will deliver the Focus Electric to Richmond International Raceway, where it will serve as pace car for that weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

"Our fans are customers," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "And just like in racing, they expect both fuel economy and performance from their daily drivers, and that's what Ford is delivering."

Fuel-economy leadership

The all-new Fusion range, which includes EcoBoost, a hybrid and the Energi plug-in hybrid version, is the best example of how Ford is giving customers true power of choice for fuel-efficient vehicles.

This year, Ford will offer nine vehicles reaching an anticipated 40 mpg or more. Plus, the company is building six new electrified vehicles by the end of this year.

"The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency -- by electrifying entire vehicle platforms, instead of one-off specialty models," said Eric Kuehn, chief nameplate engineer, Focus Electric.

Ford will offer fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011, tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped Ford vehicles. This expansion of fuel-efficient offerings will be led by the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan.

Delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than conventional engines, EcoBoost uses smaller overall size combined with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection to bring customers the power they want and the fuel economy they need.

Focus Electric is America's most fuel-efficient five-seat car that offers the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway and operates entirely on battery-generated power. Focus Electric has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer 105 MPGe combined.

By comparison, the Nissan Leaf is certified at 106 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 99 MPGe combined. Focus Electric features more passenger room, more motor power and a faster charging system that can nearly halve the charging time of the Leaf.

Production of the Focus Electric began in December at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. More information about MAP can be found here.

Ford is ramping up Focus Electric retail production in the first half of this year for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By the end of the year, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the U.S.

More information about Ford's electrified vehicle lineup -- including press releases, technical specifications and other related material -- can be found online here. Photos of the Focus Electric can be found here.

"The Ford Focus Electric is a major statement of Ford's commitment to bring green innovation and performance together, demonstrating for NASCAR fans how conserving the environment, creating jobs and strengthening our country can be made to happen without compromise," said Mike Lynch, managing director of Green Innovation for NASCAR. "With the largest sustainability program in sports, the NASCAR family is proud of Ford Motor Company's accomplishment with the Focus Electric pace car and what that means in terms of the tremendous impact of American innovation now and in the future."

Another Look at the 2012 Ford Focus Electric Sedan

You know those "spot the difference" side-by-side photos that are commonly reserved for Highlights magazines in a dentist's waiting room? "Can you find seven differences between these two pictures?" Park a 2012 Ford Focus Electric next to its gasoline-powered kin and you'll essentially be playing a three-dimensional version.

But that's exactly why we like this zero-emission, battery-powered compact. It doesn't have a funky name, it isn't all bubbly shaped, and it's still as functional as any new Focus we've sampled to date.

So, does this whole package of anonymous electrification work? It looks like a Focus, but does it drive like one and offer the same refinement, too? We headed to the southern California coast to find out.

To the trained eye, Electric-specific changes like the new grille (Aston Martin influence, anyone?), more aerodynamic front fascia, special badges, front charging point, and new 17-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Energy Saver tires are immediately noticeable, but to the general public, this five-door simply blends in with the rest of the cars on the road. EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i certainly stand out in a crowd, and until electric vehicles become more mainstream, we can appreciate the fact that some drivers don't want to make a huge eco-statement every time they drive through town. We can't tell you how often we were stared and pointed at while driving the Nissan and Mitsubishi, and being the center of attention gets old. Fast.



Much like the exterior, there aren't that many changes to the Focus Electric's cabin. Up front, the design and layout of the center stack is unchanged, with the eight-inch MyFord Touch screen – standard on the Electric – prominently displayed front and center. One change of note is the revised instrument cluster, which now uses a center-mounted speedometer with two LCD displays flanking either side. This is very similar to what we first saw on the Fusion Hybrid, with different displays that grow out from the dash, all of which are configurable. Remember the efficiency leaves from the Fusion? They've now been replaced with cutesy blue butterflies here in the Focus.

The only options for the Focus Electric are two new paint colors – Blue Candy for $395 and White Platinum for $495 – as well as leather upholstery. Standard cars come with the cloth seats (partially made from recycled materials) seen in our test car, but if leather is more your thing, Ford will gladly sew it in for $995. The front cloth buckets are comfortable and supportive, and since they come standard with bun warmers, we suspect most buyers will opt to save the cows – and a few bucks.



Of course, cargo space is compromised slightly by the addition of the large battery pack behind the rear seats, but Ford has developed a rather clever solution to still make the hatch as useful as possible. The load floor is separated into two parts, the rear of which can be raised up to create a flat floor, and also features a small hidden storage compartment underneath. Even so, cargo space isn't too bad in the Electric – there's 14.5 cubic feet of available room behind the rear seats, and additional 1.5 cubic feet in the hidden compartment. By comparison, a Nissan Leaf also offers 14.5 cubic feet of space, while the smaller Mitsubishi i only registers 13.2.

So, it looks like a Focus, is as nicely refined inside as a Focus, and – surprise, surprise – it drives like a Focus, too. That is to say, it's smooth, predictable and easy to manage, while offering a surprising amount of driver engagement. If we're honest, in some cases, we actually prefer its dynamics to that of the gasoline version. The Electric model does away with the annoying PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, the added heft of the battery pack in the rear allows for better weight distribution, and the more powerful motor does an adequate job of hustling all 3,642 pounds – 694 more than a base five-door Focus – around with decent pep.



A 23-kWh battery pack powers the electric motor, which is rated at 141 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque and, like the base Focus, sends its power to the front wheels. We weren't always driving for efficiency during our test, and when we did remove our frugality shoes, we found it immensely fun to mash the throttle off the line, delivering the full whallop of torque to the front wheels right from 0 RPM. It's easy to get those eco-friendly tires to skip a beat, though – especially when accelerating into a turn. But when it's time to slow things down, the brakes aren't super touchy like some hybrids and EVs with overly obtrusive regenerative braking. In fact, we had fun playing with the gauge cluster's Brake Coach function, which shows you how much of the available reusable energy was saved during each stint of braking. Go easy on the binders and you'll get 100 percent nearly every time.

All in, the Focus Electric is substantially more fun to drive than a Nissan Leaf, which has a tendency to feel more appliance-like than anything. Sure, this Focus EV is no sport's car, but if you're not one to sacrifice driving dynamics for the sake of maximum efficiency, it absolutely delivers. And it's far, far better than the golf-cart-on-steroids Mitsubishi i.



The EPA rates the Focus Electric at 110 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) highway, 99 MPGe city and 105 MPGe combined. Ford says that you can travel about 80 miles between charges, but of course, your mileage will vary. And when it comes time to recharge, the Focus Electric offers a substantial win over the Leaf. The charging mechanism itself is twice as powerful as the one in the Nissan, meaning it's possible to fully recharge the Focus Electric in as little as four hours from a 240-volt Level 2 charging station (it can take as long as 20 hours on a normal 120-volt plug).

Don't forget about the MyFord Mobile smartphone compatibility, too, which gives Focus Electric owners an array of information about charging status, location information, vehicle statistics and how your personal driving style affects the range you're getting. We've already had a chance to get hands-on with this system, so for the full skinny, click here to read our deep dive.



Ford will launch the Focus Electric in three waves, beginning with key areas like New York and California first, with all markets being able to take delivery by the end of the year. The all-electric Focus is priced at $39,995, including $795 for destination, which means that after the maximum $7,500 federal tax credit, you're looking at a base price of $32,495. Yes, that's $3,945 more than the base price of a 2012 Nissan Leaf, but Ford believes the added interior space, performance and quicker charging time is worth the price.

Perhaps the biggest win for the Electric is that it largely acts the same as any Focus you'll find at a Ford dealer – it's comfortable, nicely appointed, handsome and quite engaging to drive. It's the EV incognito, and in a world where electric vehicles are still slowly gaining traction, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

 

 

Source: Autoblog Green

Ford Exec Reveals Focus Electric’s Battery Cost

It is no secret that the cost of advanced lithium-ion batteries are the main drivers behind the high cost of electric vehicles. Even so, most companies are loathe to discuss specifics when it comes to the cost of their batteries. While we’ve been able to get a general idea of the costs, most companies keep battery costs close to the chest.
But Alan Mulally, the man responsible for turning around Ford Motor Company, recently revealed the cost of battery pack found in the Focus Electric. Mulally quotes the price as between “$12,000 and $15,000” per battery pack. Is it any wonder that the Focus Electric costs $40,000 off the dealership lot?

That is up to $15,000 on top of the $22,000 or so that the Focus compact would normally cost rather well-equipped. That works out to a cost of up to $650 per kWh that Ford pays, which is still more than twice the “competitive” level of $200 per kWh that many analysts and companies are shooting for. Even so though, Ford has been able to eek out impressive ratings of 76 miles per charge and a combined MPGe of 105. 

Despite reports that battery prices have come down 30% since 2009, we may still be a decade or more away from truly affordable and price-competitive electric vehicles. Ford is keeping marketing of the Focus Electric to a minimum for now, selling it as a special order vehicle only.
It doesn’t mean they don’t have faith in their product, but rather it is an honest look at the nascent EV market. After watching the struggles of both Nissan and GM to get their EV’s sold, Ford is obviously taking a step back and proceeding slowly.
Is Ford’s approach to EV’s better than Nissan and GM? Or are they dooming the Focus Electric right out of the gate?


Source: Gas2.0

Ford prepared for slow Focus Electric sales; battery costs $12-15,000

Along with Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Ford CEO Alan Mulally is confident in the growth of the electric car segment. It's a long-term play, though, so Mulally isn't committing the electric Ford Focus EV to making a strong sales statement. For now, Ford's chief says he'd be fine moving fewer than 5,000 Focus EVs in the model's first full year. And even that would mean a steep rise in uptake based on just 12 having been sold in December and January.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Mulally has also let slip the cost for the battery pack in the all-electric Focus: "around $12,000 to $15,000," which makes the Focus Electric's starting cost of $39,200 a bit more understandable. Given that price range and the EV's 23-kWh battery, that means Ford's cost is between $522 and $650 per kWh, which is lower than the estimated $689-per-kWh industry average so far this year.

Reportage on the current sales of EVs is a bit schizophrenic – for example, bullish here, bearish here, but the commentators and the numbers seem to support Mulally's confidence. If the Focus EV did manage 5,000 sales this year, that would be a little more than half of the 2011 tally for the Nissan Leaf, yet according to Bloomberg, EV market share grew more quickly than any other segment in Q1: Nissan is still working through its Leaf pre-order list, Chevrolet Volt sales were up 277 percent to 2,129 units vs. March 2011, the Opel Ampera has exceeded sales expectations, and other electric vehicles and their marketing pushes will come online later this year. Oh, and gas prices are still climbing.

There were no Focus EVs sold in February or March, but the retail push is gearing up now for the Spring season.


Source: Autoblog Green

Ford: Focus Electric's ads going online because EVs not yet ready for prime time

PRESS RELEASE

"Plug N Play in Electric City with the 2012 Focus Electric" game gives Facebook users first Focus Electric driving experience over next six weeks
Focus Electric – certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) in the city – is rated America's most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle

SAN FRANCISCO, April 12, 2012 – Ford is giving Facebook users the chance to take a road trip in the all-new Focus Electric before the car is available in most markets and without even having to step away from their computers.

Called "Plug N Play in Electric City with the 2012 Focus Electric," the Facebook-based game gives the user and four of his or her friends the ability to take a short trip in a virtual version of the car using Mapquest® mapping data to calculate how far different destinations are in proximity to charging stations along the way.

"This is a great way for consumers to both have fun and learn about the new Focus Electric at the same time," said Chad D'Arcy, Focus Electric marketing manager. "We want to offer people the opportunity to experience the car now, especially those on Facebook who have supported us for so long."

The trip provides a glimpse into just some of the technologies and features of Focus Electric, rated America's most fuel-efficient five-seat passenger vehicle and certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined.

Plug N Play in Electric City is Ford's latest foray into the social media arena and further illustrates how Ford is launching the new 2012 Focus Electric in a new and different way.

Ford's electrified vehicle business is fundamentally different than some competitors, beginning with a strategy to electrify platforms – not one-off specialty models – realizing sales will grow over time and the need for flexibility to adjust production to demand as the market develops.

Now, Ford is building on social media innovations such as the Fiesta Movement by taking the Focus Electric to consumers in a very targeted, digitally focused manner with an educational foundation because the company's research shows many Americans simply do not yet understand the technology.

"Social networking allows Ford to meet customers it might not connect with through traditional advertising, making it easier to open a dialogue with a whole new audience," said D'Arcy.

Ford announced earlier this week it is casting for "Plugged In," Yahoo!'s first reality competition series pitting teams of two against each other in a competition for the chance to win a Focus Electric. The series highlights many of Focus Electric's features as contestants rely on the vehicle to complete various challenges.

Ford's Electrified Vehicles Facebook page – home to the Plug N Play in Electric City game – was developed and launched in late 2010 to help consumers understand the differences between electrified vehicle technologies so they can make informed decisions about alternative-fuel vehicles. Now with more than 38,000 subscribers, the page can be found at www.facebook.com/FordElectricVehicles.

Plug N Play in Electric City highlights many of Focus Electric's features, such as the technology behind the car's advanced charging system and how easy it is to use.

"We worked diligently to provide an experiential application that offers both entertainment as well as education for our fans," said Scott Monty, Ford global digital and multimedia communications manager. "It's fun to share experiences through Facebook – and we hope to educate our customers on Focus Electric features along the way."

Plug N Play in Electric City is paired with Ford's electrified vehicle website at http://www.ford.com/technology/electric/, including a "Ford for Me" that allows consumers to describe their driving habits so the best electrified vehicle technology can be matched to their needs. More than 200,000 visitors already have checked out the Ford site.

Production of the Focus Electric began in December 2011 at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. More information about MAP can be found here.

Ford will ramp up Focus Electric retail production in the first half of 2012 for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By the end of 2012, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the U.S.

More information about Ford's electrified vehicle lineup – including press releases, technical specifications and other related material – can be found online here. Photos of the Focus Electric can be found here.

Ford, Yahoo! Launch Focus Electric Online with 'Plugged In' – Yahoo!'s First Reality Competition Series

PRESS RELEASE

NEW YORK, April 10, 2012 – Ford and Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO), the premier digital media company, today announced a new program to promote the launch of America's most fuel-efficient five-seat car, the Focus Electric, with "Plugged In," Yahoo!'s first reality competition series.

Beginning in May and timed to the availability of Focus Electric in multiple U.S. markets, the series is being broadcast exclusively on Yahoo! Screen (screen.yahoo.com) – Yahoo!'s video destination. Plugged In features two-person teams competing against each other in a series of challenges centered on the chance to win a Ford Focus Electric. Viewers are encouraged to share comments about each episode and upload photos of favorite places in their hometown to a special Flickr group page created for the program. Magical Elves, an Emmy Award-winning production company, is producing the series.

"Ford is launching the Focus Electric on Yahoo!, once again recognizing the power and reach of the Web as we continue to rely more on digital media," says Matt VanDyke, director, U.S. Marketing Communications for Ford. "The electric vehicle market will grow over time, so we electrified our popular small-car platform with a targeted online campaign instead of creating a one-off vehicle with huge ad budgets."

Plugged In competition locations include Los Angeles; New York; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Seattle; Austin, Texas; Atlanta; Raleigh, N.C.; and Boston. A celebrity, serving as the hometown's personal insider, kicks off each episode and provides clues that require contestants to complete various tasks and challenges while exploring and discovering hidden cultural gems and "best of" locations in their city. The winning teams in each city move on to participate in the finale event in Los Angeles, where they will compete with teams from other regions for the chance to win the Ford Focus Electric.

The Focus Electric plays a prominent role in the competition as the car's SYNC® with MyFord Touch® system will be how teams receive video, text and audio clues for the content. In addition, the car's navigation capabilities are used to help teams get from point to point, and hands-free calling will be used when the contest requires teams to make calls.

"Innovative brands like Ford are playing a key role in the growth of online video, especially when the approach starts with the creative elements and storytelling. When the product integration is truly organic, as it is here, the overall consumer experience is enhanced," said Erin McPherson, vice president and head of Video at Yahoo!. "We drew from insights we have about our audience – namely, that they are passionate about celebrity-related content, and that they love travel – and together with Ford, we developed a high-energy reality competition in which the Focus Electric plays a key role. We will then program the series in the context of our other leading media properties, resulting in a highly immersive video experience."

With 61 million unique visitors per month* who come to Yahoo! to watch video and 21 of the top original online video programs**, Yahoo! sets the bar for best-in-class original video programming. With a recently launched video destination, Yahoo! Screen, the development of women's and comedy slates, and partnerships with world-class storytellers, creative partners and original voices, Yahoo! continues to build on the leadership position in video and to provide its consumers and advertisers with the best premium content online.

Team casting is under way and negotiations with the celebrities from each hometown are being finalized. The celebrities and schedule will be announced within the next few weeks.

The Plugged In campaign is paired with Ford's electrified vehicle website at http://www.ford.com/technology/electric/, including a "Ford for Me" that allows consumers to describe their driving habits so the best electrified vehicle technology can be matched to their needs. More than 200,000 visitors already have visited the Ford site.

"The winners of Plugged In aren't vying for just any car, they are competing for the most fuel-efficient five-seat vehicle in America – just one more reason this competition is all that much more exciting," said Ginger Kasanic, Ford's experimental marketing manager. "The hope is that viewers not only find the competition element of Plugged In exciting and interesting, but also learn a little bit about the possibilities offered by Focus Electric."

Focus Electric is America's most fuel-efficient five-seat car that offers the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city/99 MPGe highway and operates entirely on battery-generated power. Focus Electric also has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer 105 MPGe combined.

Ford is ramping up Focus Electric retail production in the first half of 2012 for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By year-end, Focus Electric becomes available in 19 markets across the United States.

More information about Ford's electrified vehicle lineup – including press releases, technical specifications and other related material – can be found online here. Photos of Focus Electric can be found here.

*comScore Video Metrix, U.S., February 2012
**Ranking based on custom-created category of original video programs by Yahoo! based on comScore Mediabuilder, U.S., February 2012
# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About Yahoo!
Yahoo! is the premier digital media company, creating deeply personal digital experiences that keep more than half a billion people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the globe. And Yahoo!'s unique combination of Science + Art + Scale connects advertisers to the consumers who build their businesses. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net) or the company's blog, Yodel Anecdotal (yodel.yahoo.com).

Ford says selling 10 Focus Electrics in three months is "on track"

From the looks of things, the Ford Focus Electric has decidedly poor sales. In fact, according to numbers that Green Car Reports is reporting – and Ford is not denying – only 10 units have been sold since the car went on sale late last year: seven in December, three in January and none in February.

Now, we knew that widespread sales were pushed back until September, but isn't the car available in California and New York/New Jersey already? Could the $39,200 price be driving people away, even though the car qualifies for up to $10,000 in tax incentives in California ($7,500 elsewhere)? Is it a problem of supply or incredibly low demand? Do low all-electric vehicle sales imply anything about future plug-in vehicles from the Blue Oval.

We asked Ford about these numbers, and Ford's Wes Sherwood told AutoblogGreen that only select fleet customers have been able to buy the Focus EV thus far. He said:

We are on track with the Focus Electric launch. We began by selling a small number of vehicles to a few fleet customers. We are now ramping up retail production to begin selling vehicles to retail customers in New York, New Jersey and California in the first half of this year. We then will expand sales to 16 other markets later this year.

We continue to expect sales of all-electric to be small even when we ramp up retail production. This is new technology, and it takes time to take hold. Remember, initial hybrid sales were slow. We remain confident about electrified vehicles for the future and are working to make the ownership experience enjoyable. We still expect 10 to 25 percent of Ford's global sales will be attributable to electrified vehicles by 2020. This includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery electric vehicles, with most sales coming from hybrid electric vehicles.

Source: Autoblog Green

Ford Focus Electric EPA-certified at 105 MPGe combined; 110 MPGe city, 99MPGe highway

Ford’s all-new Focus Electric has been certified by the EPA to offer 105 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined, with 110 MPGe city and 99 MPGe on the highway. These ratings rank the the Focus Electric as the most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle.

As a comparison, the Nissan LEAF is EPA-certified at 99 MPGe combined, 106 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway. Consumption is 34 kWh/100 miles, combined cycle. The smaller Mitsubishi i-MiEV is rated at 112 MPGe combined, with consumption of 30 kWh/100 miles.

The EPA-approved Focus Electric label also certifies that the car has a range of 76 miles on a single charge compared with the 73-mile range of the Leaf. The Focus Electric can be driven up to 100 miles on a single charge depending on driving habits. The average driver drives 29 miles a day, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website.

The approved label also will say customers could save $9,700 in fuel costs over the course of five years compared with the average new vehicle.

Focus Electric features an advanced charging system that allows the car’s battery to fully recharge in four hours—nearly half the time of Nissan Leaf—using available 240-volt outlets that can be installed in residential garages. Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops—up to 20 miles per charge hour.

To cut charging costs at home, a value charging feature powered by Microsoft is designed to help owners in the US charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates. Other standard features on Focus Electric include Ford’s Rear View Camera System, MyKey, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Reverse Sensing System.

Ford will ramp up Focus Electric retail production in the first half of 2012 for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By the end of 2012, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the US.

Ford Introduces Gas-Free Focus Electric with 100+ MPGe Expected; Nearly a Third of Lineup Now Offers 40-mpg Model

PRESS RELEASE

Ford introduces gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger electric vehicle with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)

· Nearly one-third of Ford's vehicle lines will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012

· Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets

· C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid projected to achieve better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. With the C-MAX lineup, Ford becomes the largest hybrid transmission producer in North America


DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford's world-class Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger, all-electric car to achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating.

Focus Electric also is the first of its kind to feature faster charging, which will halve Nissan Leaf's time to fully recharge the battery and help drivers to more than double the expected single-charge range in a busy day of driving and recharging.

The car headlines Ford's transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012, building on the company's commitment to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the Power of Choice.

"The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "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."
Even with relatively stable gas prices, fuel economy is the top purchase consideration for new vehicles. Nearly 45 percent of customers say fuel economy is their top consideration based on a Ford survey of Americans in 36 cities this fall. Styling is the next consideration, with only 16 percent of study participants saying it is their top purchase driver.

Ford's rollout of electrified vehicles began in December 2010 with the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric – a small commercial van built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics. Ford's other 40-mpg vehicles include:

· Focus SE
· Fiesta
· Focus Electric
· C-MAX Hybrid
· C-MAX Energi
· Three vehicles yet to be announced

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology, the company offers proven engineering and design with Focus Electric. Ford holds approximately 500 patents on the hybrid technology used in the new Focus Electric and its other electrified vehicles.

Faster charging
Focus Electric is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. Its expected 100 MPGe is better than Chevrolet Volt and all electric vehicles with seating for five.

It will be the first electrified vehicle to offer faster charging with 240-volt outlets, which can be installed in customer homes. The battery can be recharged in just more than three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf.

Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops – up to 30 miles per charge hour – so they can more than double the vehicle's range with multiple charging stops during a busy day of driving.
A unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, will help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

Elec-tech
Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch® driver connect system especially for electric vehicles and a smartphone app called MyFord® Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.
The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback is designed to deliver real driving enjoyment as well. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver steps on the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph.

The Focus Electric is a dynamic driver's car, sharing the steering, handling and braking feel with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it's based. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey areas. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand in 2012 to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets also include Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

MAXimum efficiency
The Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are Ford's first compact multi-activity vehicles (MAVs) in North America and offer high mileage and low emissions as well as a distinctive design and flexible interior.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the company's next-generation powersplit hybrid technology in combination with a lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery system. Both models provide maximum fuel efficiency by pairing the high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. This technology enables the gasoline engine to run less than the previous generation.

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver better MPGe in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and to achieve more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi, like the Focus Electric, have been engineered and built to deliver engaging driving dynamics and technologies. In addition, C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric will offer MyFord Touch and MyFord Mobile, desigened to make charging and driving the vehicle even more efficient, affordable and easier to live with.

Hybrid transmission leader
When C-MAX Hybrid launches, Ford becomes North America's largest maker of hybrid transmissions.

Ford engineered the transmission and upgraded the controls with a goal of creating the industry's highest-performing and smoothest-operating hybrid transmission. Among the hybrid transmission's innovations:

· Electric motors capable of operating at higher electric speeds
· A new, super-efficient cooling system that enables higher speeds in electric drive
· Optimized gear ratios enabling improvement in fuel economy
· More precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive
· Reduced weight to help increase fuel economy

This is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Production is moving from a supplier in Japan to the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., which also will assemble battery packs for Ford's hybrid and electric vehicles.

Building green vehicles cleaner
Ford completely transformed Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., into an environmentally friendly workplace with flexible manufacturing capability.

With the new electrified vehicles and the new Focus ST performance model also coming in 2012, Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant is the first facility in the world capable of building a full array of vehicles – gas-powered, EcoBoost®, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – all on the same production line.

The plant also features one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state as well as several electric vehicle charging stations, allowing the facility to operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity.

Renewable energy collected by the solar panels directly feeds the energy-efficient microgrid, helping power the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the stored solar energy will provide power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight. Projected energy cost savings are approximately $160,000 per year.

The plant also has 10 electric vehicle charging stations that recharge the electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities – saving an estimated 86,000 gallons of gas a year.

Plus, 50 percent of the parts arriving for the all-new Focus are packed in cardboard, are carefully collected, sorted and recycled, as is the bubble wrap, the Styrofoam and the water bottles used by employees.

A Tour Of the Ford Focus Electric Vehicle Factory - VIDEO

A brief look inside the factory where the Focus electric vehicle is manufactured:

Ford Introduces Gas-Free Focus Electric with 100+ MPGe Expected; Nearly a Third of Lineup Now Offers 40-mpg Model

PRESS RELEASE

Ford introduces gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger electric vehicle with a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)

Nearly one-third of Ford's vehicle lines will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012

Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets

C-MAX Hybrid is projected to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid projected to achieve better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.With the C-MAX lineup, Ford becomes the largest hybrid transmission producer in North America

WAYNE, Mich., Dec. 14, 2011 – Ford's world-class Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric, expected to be the first five-passenger, all-electric car to achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating.

Focus Electric also is the first of its kind to feature faster charging, which will halve Nissan Leaf's time to fully recharge the battery and help drivers to more than double the expected single-charge range in a busy day of driving and recharging.

The car headlines Ford's transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012, building on the company's commitment to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the Power of Choice.

"The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "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."

Even with relatively stable gas prices, fuel economy is the top purchase consideration for new vehicles. Nearly 45 percent of customers say fuel economy is their top consideration based on a Ford survey of Americans in 36 cities this fall. Styling is the next consideration, with only 16 percent of study participants saying it is their top purchase driver.

Ford's rollout of electrified vehicles began in December 2010 with the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric – a small commercial van built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics. Ford's other 40-mpg vehicles include:

Focus SFE
Fiesta SFE
Focus Electric
C-MAX Hybrid
C-MAX Energi
Three vehicles yet to be announced

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology, the company offers proven engineering and design with Focus Electric. Ford holds approximately 500 patents on the hybrid technology used in the new Focus Electric and its other electrified vehicles.

Faster charging
Focus Electric is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. Its expected 100 MPGe is better than Chevrolet Volt and all electric vehicles with seating for five.

It will be the first electrified vehicle to offer faster charging with 240-volt outlets, which can be installed in customer homes. The battery can be recharged in just more than three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf.

Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops – up to 30 miles per charge hour – so they can more than double the vehicle's range with multiple charging stops during a busy day of driving.

A unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, will help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

Elec-tech
Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch® driver connect system especially for electric vehicles and a smartphone app called MyFord® Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback is designed to deliver real driving enjoyment as well. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver steps on the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph.

The Focus Electric is a dynamic driver's car, sharing the steering, handling and braking feel with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it's based. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey areas. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand in 2012 to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets also include Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

MAXimum efficiency
The Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are Ford's first compact multi-activity vehicles (MAVs) in North America and offer high mileage and low emissions as well as a distinctive design and flexible interior.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the company's next-generation powersplit hybrid technology in combination with a lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery system. Both models provide maximum fuel efficiency by pairing the high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. This technology enables the gasoline engine to run less than the previous generation.

C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to deliver better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver better MPGe in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and to achieve more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi, like the Focus Electric, have been engineered and built to deliver engaging driving dynamics and technologies. In addition, C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric will offer MyFord Touch and MyFord Mobile, designed to make charging and driving the vehicle even more efficient, affordable and easier to live with.

Hybrid transmission leader
When C-MAX Hybrid launches, Ford becomes North America's largest maker of hybrid transmissions.

Ford engineered the transmission and upgraded the controls with a goal of creating the industry's highest-performing and smoothest-operating hybrid transmission. Among the hybrid transmission's innovations:


Electric motors capable of operating at higher electric speeds
A new, super-efficient cooling system that enables higher speeds in electric drive
Optimized gear ratios enabling improvement in fuel economy
More precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive
Reduced weight to help increase fuel economy

This is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Production is moving from a supplier in Japan to the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., which also will assemble battery packs for Ford's hybrid and electric vehicles.

Building green vehicles cleaner
Ford completely transformed Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., into an environmentally friendly workplace with flexible manufacturing capability.

With the new electrified vehicles and the new Focus ST performance model also coming in 2012, Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant is the first facility in the world capable of building a full array of vehicles – gas-powered, EcoBoost®, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – all on the same production line.

The plant also features one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state as well as several electric vehicle charging stations, allowing the facility to operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity.

Renewable energy collected by the solar panels directly feeds the energy-efficient microgrid, helping power the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the stored solar energy will provide power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight. Projected energy cost savings are approximately $160,000 per year.

The plant also has 10 electric vehicle charging stations that recharge the electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities – saving an estimated 86,000 gallons of gas a year.

Plus, 50 percent of the parts arriving for the all-new Focus are packed in cardboard, are carefully collected, sorted and recycled, as is the bubble wrap, the Styrofoam and the water bottles used by employees.

Ford Reveals More Details Regarding the Focus Electric Vehicle

Ford’s first all-electric mass-produced car, the 2012 Ford Focus, isn’t yet available to buy in the U.S., but Ford thinks the delay in bringing it to market will be well worth the wait.

With what Ford claims will be a best-in-class fuel efficiency of 100 MPGe, and plenty of patented technology designed to help drivers get the best possible range out of its 23 kilowatt-hour battery pack, Ford is confident its 2012 Focus Electric will be a success.

The details were released today at a media event in Dearborn, Michigan, held before next month’s Detroit Auto Show, alongside more information about Ford’s upcoming 2013 C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid.

100 MPGe?

While Ford hasn’t said if the 2012 Ford Focus Electric has undergone official EPA tests for range and fuel economy, director of Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering Sherif Markaby is confident the five-seat hatchback will offer the best fuel economy of its class.

“The Focus Electric will break the 100 MPGe mark -- a great symbol of how Ford has transformed its fleet with many vehicles delivery leading fuel economy and efficiency,” he said in an official press release.

That said, the $39,995 2012 Focus Electric will be Ford’s most fuel efficient car on the market. Ford is keen to call it the flagship car of its new lineup for 2012 -- one-third of which will achieve a fuel economy greater than 40 mpg.

Faster Charging

Ford is also keen to point out that the 2012 Focus Electric will be able to charge to full from empty in under four hours using a compatible level 2, 32-amp charging station, thanks to a 240-volt, 32-amp on-board charger.

Twice the capacity of the on-board chargers found in cars like the 2012 Nissan Leaf and 2012 Mitsubishi i, Ford claims that its more powerful level 2 charging system will enable customers to travel much further in a day than they could in rival cars.

But while the 2012 Ford Focus Electric features faster on-board charging, it doesn’t support the ultra-fast direct-current rapid charging option found on the 2012 Nissan Leaf and 2012 Mitsubishi i. Admittedly however, finding a level 2, 32-amp charging station in most areas is a lot easier than finding an expensive direct current charging station, making the Ford system more versatile for now.

Ford also claims charging will be cheaper in the Focus Electric, thanks to smart technology which can be set to charge the car when electricity is at its cheapest or greenest. normally late at night.

Tech To Tame Range Anxiety

Perhaps more interesting than the larger capacity on-board charger is the specially-designed version of Ford’s popular SYNC technology included with the 2012 Ford Focus Electric.

Designed to help coach drivers to be more fuel efficient, the Focus Electric features a display which expresses the amount of ‘spare’ energy the car estimates you will have after you reach your destination.

And while it displays that information in a kooky way -- with digital butterflies -- we like the glass-half-full optimism that Ford applies to remaining battery charge.

In addition, Ford says the SYNC-derived mapping system, which uses MapQuest data to plan routes, will be able to plan routes especially designed to help drivers achieve the maximum possible range from a single charge.

Just like its rivals, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric will also offer interconnected smartphone apps to control heating, charging and route planning, as well as automatically update information on and locate suitable charging stations.

The Usual Eco-Messages

Like all of Ford’s competitors, Ford is keen to point out every little eco-minded detail of the Ford Focus Electric, from its recycled plastic-bottle seats through to the eco-credentials of the factory where the car will be made.

Ordering has already opened for the 2012 Ford Focus Electric in two states, but with limited production for 2012, the long wait for an electric Ford continues.

Source: Green Car Reports

Ford begins production of 2012 Focus Electric at Michigan Assembly, C-MAX models on deck

Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric —a five-passenger, battery-electric car Ford expects will achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel economy rating. By comparison, the Nissan LEAF carries a 99 MPGe (combined) EPA rating, while the smaller i-MiEV carries a 112 MPGe (combined) rating. (1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 kWh).

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey areas. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand in 2012 to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets also include Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

Focus Electric is powered by a 23 kWh lithium-ion (li-ion) battery system (with cells from LG Chem/Compact Power) with an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature.

The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On hot days, chilled liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system’s temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

The Focus Electric offers faster charging with 240-volt outlets; the battery can be recharged in just more than three hours using a 240-volt charging station, about half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf, Ford notes, adding that faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops—up to 30 miles per charge hour.

Ford’s rollout of electrified vehicles began in December 2010 with the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric—a small commercial van built in collaboration with Azure Dynamics. Ford will also be introducing the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid—also to be built at Michigan Assembly— for sale in the second half of next year. (Earlier post.)

Ford’s near-term electrification plan calls for the company to triple production capacity of its electrified vehicle range by 2013. The C-MAX vehicles will be built on the company’s global C-segment platform and are two of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to launch in North America in 2012.

The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the company’s next-generation powersplit hybrid technology in combination with a lighter, smaller lithium-ion battery system. Both models provide maximum fuel efficiency by pairing the high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine.

Ford is targeting the C-MAX Hybrid to deliver better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius v and the C-MAX Energi to deliver better MPGe in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and to achieve more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine.

When C-MAX Hybrid launches, Ford becomes North America’s largest maker of hybrid transmissions. Among the new hybrid transmission’s features:

• Electric motors capable of operating at higher electric speeds
• A new, efficient cooling system that enables higher speeds in electric drive
• Optimized gear ratios enabling improvement in fuel economy
• More precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive
• Reduced weight to help increase fuel economy

This is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Production is moving from a supplier in Japan to the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., which also will assemble battery packs for Ford’s hybrid and electric vehicles.

Ford transformed Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., into a workplace with flexible manufacturing capability. With the new electrified vehicles and the new Focus ST performance model also coming in 2012, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is the first facility capable of building a full array of vehicles—gas-powered, EcoBoost, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid—all on the same production line.

The plant also features one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state as well as several electric vehicle charging stations, allowing the facility to operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity.

Renewable energy collected by the solar panels directly feeds the energy-efficient microgrid, helping power the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the stored solar energy will provide power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight. Projected energy cost savings are approximately $160,000 per year.

The plant also has 10 electric vehicle charging stations that recharge the electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities—saving an estimated 86,000 gallons of gas a year.

Source: Green Car Congress