Oregon Ford Dealers Share More Information about the Electric Ford Focus

The 2012 Focus Electric is designed to deliver outstanding energy efficiency, reliable operation, and true driving enjoyment. Take a closer look at Focus Electric performance: All-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission are designed to provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration
Enviromentally conscience Oregonians are overwhelming Oregon Ford Dealers with questions about the all new Electric Ford Focus.   With a top speed of up to 84 mph the performance of the Electric Focus is a rear head turner.  Many of the steering, handling and braking components are shared with the agile and sporty, gasoline Focus models in turn reducing costs compared to other manufacters that created their electric vehicles from completely new and different platforms.  Outstanding aerodynamics and the absence of a gasoline engine help achieve a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience  The Focus Electric will offer a miles-per-gallon (mpg) equivalent competitive with other electric vehicles in the market including the Nissan Leaf.  Portland has been chosen .
 The 2012 Focus Electric features an advanced, Ford-engineered 23kW liquid-cooled/heated lithium-ion battery pack

When plugged in, the Focus Electric onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled/heated battery pack.  The battery pack can be charged at home using: the the 120-volt convenience cord that will come with the vehicle.  The recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that will be sold separately and can charge the battery in just over three hours.  Portland Charging stations are popping up all over making charging up a non issue for new owners adjusting to their new Green vehicle.  The State of Oregon is supporting this Green movement by creating and supporting the Oregon Electric Vehicle Charging Network that facilitates locating and charging your vehicle in less time that orginally estimated.  Click Here to Sign Up for Network Updates and Alerts.  The Electric Focus can be programmed to pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle interior while charging the 2012 Focus Electric shares many of the features of the gas-powered Focus. Take a look at key interior features and technologies that are unique to the Focus Electric: MyFord Touch™ enhanced with unique electric driving screens.  The “MyFord Mobile” app allows Focus Electric owners to check the battery charge status of their car, set or initiate charging, find the location of their car in a parking lot, locate charging stations, plus search for destinations and determine if the car has enough charge to travel to all of the locations and back home. 

New value-charging feature, through collaboration with Microsoft, enabling owners to charge their vehicles when utility rates are lowest.  Ford Motor Company has used eco-friendly interior materials throughout the vechile.  The 2012 Focus Electric shares many of the features of the gasoline-powered Focus. Take a look at key exterior features and technologies that are unique to the Focus Electric: a unique aerodynamic front fascia with chrome grille surround and chrome bars, illuminated LED charge port located on the driver's side front fender, Focus Battery Electric Road and Leaf badging as well as available HID headlamps and LED taillamps. 

Conveying a sense of motion even when standing still, the Focus “kinetic” design delivers an exciting first impression. Take a closer look at key exterior design features: Quad-beam halogen headlamps give Focus a high-tech look, slim, swept-back headlamp design with chrome grille surround with chrome bars.  Along the side, the dramatic “Z” bodyside accent lines give the exterior design a sense of motion that is magnified with this hot orange coloring.  Pronounced wheel arches add to the impressive stance of the vehicle.  The rear fascia has light-catching lines to enhance the wide stance and athletic appearance.  Northwest commuters appreciate the peppy responsive handling of the Ford Focus Electric.  Ford has redesigned the taillamps have a sculpted design that now offer a more premium look and rounding out the exterior design features is the liftgate spoiler.  

A hybrid vehicle is powered in part by a gasoline engine, and partly by a battery-powered electric motor. The two systems work together, so there is no need to plug in to charge the battery. For most low-speed or short-distance driving, hybrids run on battery power during acceleration and use the electric motor to assist the gas engine when extra power is needed. At higher speeds, the gasoline engine automatically kicks in and takes over. The battery is recharged by the gasoline engine, and also by a regenerative braking system, which captures over 90% of braking energy normally lost to heat due to friction.

This type of vehicle operates like a traditional hybrid vehicle. The difference is the addition of a charge port and a lithium-ion battery pack that is larger than the nickel-metal-hydride battery used in current hybrids. When fully charged, in most situations the vehicle will operate in pure electric mode until the battery is depleted, then will switch back to traditional hybrid mode using the engine and regenerative braking to charge the battery pack. The gas engine may come on under certain conditions such as heavy acceleration or at higher speeds. The benefits include a greater range in full electric mode than a full hybrid, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

This vehicle runs completely by battery power and does not use a single drop of gasoline. The all-electric design features an electric motor, charging port and high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack. Regenerative braking also aids in charging. This powertrain provides 100% CO_{2-free driving, and will give Focus Electric an mpg equivalent competitive with other electric vehicles in the market} 

Where some competitors have identified "a vehicle, one electrified powertrain" solution for all customers, our strategy offers a family of electrified powertrain vehicles that are based on existing vehicle platforms. This will allow Ford to have as many as five electrified vehicles in the U.S. by 2012.

The 2012 Focus is built on a global platform, and customers already know Focus as a great vehicle. Focus Electric has all the same innovative safety and convenience features as the gasoline-powered Focus, and is designed to deliver similar ride and handling characteristics. This gives customers that same fun-to-drive experience in an all-electric vehicle. Ford will be piloting the Focus Electric launch in certain cities. These cities were chosen based on factors such as hybrid purchasing trends, customer demographics, state emission laws and utility company collaboration. Yes. Purchasing a plug-in or electric vehicle may qualify customers for special tax incentives of up to $7,500 through the new Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit. More information about these incentives can be found at www.irs.gov and www.fueleconomy.gov. "Range anxiety" refers to the concern of an electric car running out of power and leaving the driver stranded on the way to his or her destination — the electric equivalent of running out of gas. Ford helps customers plan their routes before they start driving – both in their vehicles and out. Inside Focus Electric, MyFord Touch ™ and the unique electric driver screens provide new levels of vehicle information so owners can actively manage how they drive based on where they need to go. Drivers can view battery state of charge, distance to charge point, expected range and other factors right in the instrument cluster. Outside the vehicle, a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile allows drivers to view and manage the same information while away from their car, and even gives the option to begin charging with a touch of the finger. These tools and smart technologies work together to help drivers plan ahead, drive efficiently and counter range anxiety. Assuming an electricity price of 12–15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) (as of 2/28/11), a full charge of the 23-kWh battery in Focus Electric would cost an estimated $2–$3. When you consider the car’s mpg equivalent and rising fuel prices, it’s easy to see that Focus Electric can give customers a noticeable advantage in power efficiency! Actual charging costs will vary based on individual customers’ specific utility rates. Check with your local power company for details. Yes, the vehicle comes with a standard 120-volt convenience cord, which allows you to charge the battery pack in your own garage. However, most Focus Electric customers will purchase a Ford-approved electric vehicle charging station to install in their garage. This upgrade equipment enables a 240-volt power outlet to fully charge Focus Electric in 3–4 hours (must be installed by a licensed technician). The lithium-ion battery pack that powers the all-electric Focus has been designed to last the life of the vehicle.