Ford has unveiled its first fuel-free, rechargeable electric car - the Focus Electric.
Due for market launch in North America sometime next year, apart from its title as Ford’s first mass market electric vehicle, the Focus Electirc is significant because it will challenge Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle as being conventional, mainstream, full-size, five-door hatchbacks with zero emissions drivetrains.
So which way will Toyota go? Will the Japanese giant follow General Motors and develop a unique vehicle like the Volt, or follow Ford and develop an electric Corolla?
Ford says the Focus Electric is cheaper to run that the Chevrolet Volt and can be fully recharged via a home 240-volt charge station in three or four hours – half the time required by a Nissan LEAF. And a partnership between Ford and Microsoft will allow Focus Electric owners to look on-line for the cheapest electric utility rates wherever they are to recharge their vehicle’s batteries for the lowest price.
Ford says the Focus Electric delivers a top speed of 136 km/h and a range between recharged equivalent to other battery electric vehicles (160 kms is the norm).
Apart from some styling changes at the front end to improve aerodynamics (no need to duct air to cool the radiator), the Focus Electric is virtually identical to conventional petrol Focus models sold in North America. Its runs 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a nines-speaker audio system and normal interior accommodation.
No word yet from Ford about right-hand-drive models or Australian market plans.
