Ford Kicks off Production of Focus Electric
The Blue Oval is about to get a little greener: Production of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric—expected to be the first electric vehicle to offer more than 100 MPGe—has now begun at the automaker’s Michigan Assembly plant, located in Wayne, Mich. It’s an important next step in Ford’s new “Power of Choice” initiative, which will offer customers a range of different types of high-efficiency vehicles, with different powertrains, to meet different needs and preferences.
“The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle,” said Derrick Kuzak, shown above, 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.”
In fact, including the Focus Electric, fully one third of the Ford lineup will offer a model capable of at least 40 mpg by the end of next year. And not only has the automaker designed the new EV to offer stellar “fuel” efficiency, but it also developed new, industry-first technology that allows owners to fully charge the Focus Electric in a bit more than three hours when using a 240-volt charging unit—that’s about half the time it takes to charge a Nissan LEAF. Further, because the car can be recharged at a rate of approximately 30 miles per charge hour, it’s easy for drivers to “top off the tank” for extended range during their daily routines.
The 2012 Ford Focus Electric initially will be available in limited numbers in California and the New York/New Jersey area, then expand to 19 more launch markets, including 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.
To keep current with Ford’s EV plans, visit your local dealer or go online to www.ford.com/electric/focuselectric/2012.