Tag Archives: Ford Focus

Ford Envisions Near Full EV Fleet Within 10 Years

Posted on by
Reply

Back in the day, Ford had an ad campaign which stated flatly, Ford has a better idea. For its time the ad did just fine, but that better idea was soon eclipsed by Japanese manufacturers who had the better built cars. Toyota, Honda and Nissan quickly passed Ford in quality as did most any other make whose cars were designed and built in Japan.

Top Quality

Today, Ford is once again building cars that among the highest quality vehicles on the road, at least according to J.D. Power and other consumer sites. This is good news for the people who want to buy American built cars as quality levels have risen accordingly.

Among the technologies Ford will be rolling out over the coming months is EcoBoost, an engine that produces more horsepower while emitting less carbon dioxide. Those engines will be available in most Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles over the next few years, but they aren’t the only technology the automaker is banking on.

Beginning this year, Ford will roll out its first electric car while at the same time expanding its hybrid (gas-electric) fleet. To that end, Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally says that within ten years most of the company’s fleet will be powered by electric or hybrid vehicles which would help Ford meet stringent federal pollution emission and mileage requirements.

Electric Vehicles

In 2010, a battery powered version of its Ford Transit Connect entered the market followed by an electric Ford Focus in 2011 and a plug-in hybrid in 2012. That last model will be Ford’s direct challenge to the Chevrolet Volt, the car GM is placing its money on for many years ahead.

There isn’t any guarantee being made by Ford that the automaker will be able to follow its plans precisely. Although Ford hasn’t accepted federal bail out help that was given to General Motors and Chrysler, the automaker has a huge amount of debt to renegotiate first. Additionally, if the market continues to remain in its depressed state, Ford’s own solvency may soon become an issue.

Gas Prices

Ford is also expecting that energy prices will begin to climb, though perhaps not quite to the level they were in 2008 and earlier in 2011. With greater pressure on fuel prices, will cash strapped consumers buy these vehicles or simply choose to keep what they have and drive less? This is a gamble that Ford feels it must take, one that could yield big dividends for the company or disaster.

At a Glance: Ford Focus Electric

Posted on by
2

BEV Focus offers an electrified difference.

The Ford Focus BEV hits the market in late 2011.

The Ford Focus Electric will be going on sale in late 2011, the latest and perhaps the most intriguing model in the compact Focus model range. Powered by a permanent magnetic electric traction motor developed by LG Chem, this lithium-ion battery pack achieves 123 horsepower and 181 foot-pounds of torque. The electrified 5-door hatchback is being built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

Although not yet available for sale, there are some things about the Focus Electric we already know. For one, the Escort EV is expected to get a better mile per gallon range than the Chevrolet Volt. It will be able to recharge in 3 to 4 hours, which is half the time of the Nissan LEAF, with its 240-volt charge station. Top speed is 84 miles per hour and pure electric range should beat the LEAF’s projected 90 miles.

MyFord Touch

New features and technologies will be introduced by the Focus EV including a customized version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system, designed especially for electric vehicles, an innovative value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a tech-pleasing smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles from a distance.

Ford has placed five-way buttons on the Focus’ steering wheel, which allows the driver to customize a pair of 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster screens showing battery charge status, distance to the next charging station and other operating and technical features. This information enables the driver to keep track of how he drives, ideal for the person who want to maximize range and efficiency by changing driving behavior accordingly.

Suspension & Braking

The BEV Focus incorporates a front independent MacPherson strut suspension and rear control blade multilink independent system. Electric power assisted steering, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock braking system, disc brakes and regenerative braking are some of the important features found in the electric Focus.

The electric Focus sits on a 104.3 inch wheelbase and has a length of 171.7 inches. This vehicle is 72.4 inches wide and 58.9 inches tall. Seating five passengers, this Focus offers a 60/40 split rear bench seat, 15-spoke 17-inch wheels, push button start and a voice activated navigation system.

Additional Features

Sirius Satellite Radio is standard with the EV Focus and includes a six-month trial subscription. Owners will have access to more than 130 radio stations playing commercial-free music, offering talk, entertainment and sports options.

One of the most innovative features of the battery electric Focus is its illuminated charging port, which leaves no question whether your Focus is ready to go or not. When owners plug their connector cord into the Focus Electric charge port, which is located between the driver’s door and front wheel well, it activates light rings around the port to show that it’s connected. Your charge is still in progress when the rings are flashing. Your charge has been completed when the rings are solidly lit.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of “Auto Trends Magazine.” Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Ford F-150 parts and Ford Windstar parts.

Photo: Ford Motor Company