Having already launched its first all-electric vehicle, the Transit Connect Electric in December 2010, Ford announced today that it is beginning production of its first plug-in passenger car, the Focus Electric.
The all-electric, zero-emissions version of the Focus will be manufactured at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant from this month – and the Blue Oval is making some really bold statements about its EV.
It claims that it is the first five-passenger electric vehicle in the world with a consumption equivalent of 100 miles per gallon (MPGe) – that’s 2.3 lt/100 km.
According to Ford, the Focus Electric needs just three hours to fully recharge its battery using a 240V charging station, or almost half the time of the Nissan Leaf and offers double the single-charge range of its Japanese rival, with up to 30 miles (50 km) of driving range per charging hour.
“The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle”, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s 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.”
A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey areas, while availability will expand in 2012 to the remaining 15 launch markets as production increases.
The 19 launch markets 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.
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