Ford Focus Electric goes into production

Ford Focus Electric goes into production

The UK’s most popular mid-size hatchback can be soon driven under electric power. Ford has started production of their all-new Ford Focus Electric – the first full-electric vehicle to be built by Ford in Europe.

This all-new global vehicle features an electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain that makes a decent 142bhp for a respectable top speed of 84mph.Each Focus Electric comes with a 6.6kW integrated onboard charger that can achieve a driving range of around 60 miles with 2-3 hours charging. A full charge of the Focus Electric battery pack over 3-4 hours will deliver a 100-mile range. These distances can more than cover the average UK car commute of 30 miles.

Matching the latest in battery and electric motor tech is a new user interface called SmartGauge which calculates and displays driving range based on remaining battery energy; the driver’s braking and acceleration inputs, and the use of accessories such as climate control and audio. Basically, if you drive gently, on a warm day, with the stereo off, the system will tell you that you can travel further.

Also helping the Focus Electric to travel further is a regenerative braking system that captures up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy normally lost during the braking process, while the Brake Coach feature encourages drivers to make more gradual braking inputs to help return more energy to the battery.

The new Ford Focus Electric will be built on the established Ford Focus production line at Saarlouis, Germany, with new cars reaching UK customers from July.

Posted by Craig Salter