Reservations are being taken in select cities for the Ford Focus EV, the automaker’s full-electric and zero emission 5-door hatchback. The 2012 Focus EV is being offered in California and the New York/New Jersey region, at certified Ford EV dealerships. Next year, sales will ramp up to include 15 additional metropolitan areas throughout the U.S.
According to Ford, these initial markets were chosen based on commuting patterns, current hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification. “The all-new Focus Electric is an important part of Ford’s overall strategy, bringing still another option to customers who want a car that is fun-to-drive, easy to own and fully electric,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager.
Powering the Focus EV is a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery system, coupled to a single-speed transmission developed specifically for the car. Driving range is estimated to be 100 miles between recharges, which makes the Focus EV competitive with electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i.
Ford says the Focus EV can be charged in 3 hours using a 240-volt outlet, or roughly half the time needed to juice up the Leaf. Sounds like we’ll have to schedule some head-to-head recharge battles in the near future. Like other electrics, the Focus EV can also be charged using a standard 110-volt outlet. Further details, including a ‘build your own’ option, are available online.
Not that there’s much to do when spec’ing out a Focus EV– the only options include leather seats and a choice of two paint colors. The car comes loaded with everything from an 8-inch touchscreen and voice-activated navigation, to push-button start and 9-speaker Sony audio system. Ford also incudes a mobile app to help monitor battery life, schedule a recharge and remote start the vehicle.
Pricing Just Announced: The 2012 Focus EV will cost $39,995 (before tax credit is applied)
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1 comment:
Perhaps it would be better if there were more options in terms of pricing; a base model with no frills and then more gradually expensive ones with more bells and whistles.
$39k may be a bit steep given the current state of the economy and high unemployment.
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