Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced the first U.S. markets where it will sell its first all-electric passenger vehicle–the Focus Electric
In late 2011, the vehicle will become available in the following areas: 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.
"This is the first step in rolling out the Focus Electric. As the country continues to build up its electric vehicle infrastructure and demand for the Focus Electric grows, Ford will continue to evaluate additional markets and consider making this vehicle available in more cities across the country," said Mark Fields, President of the Americas, Ford Motor Company.
Ford said the Focus Electric initial markets were chosen based on several different criteria including existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification. As part of the collaboration with dealers, utilities and local governments, Ford will help develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support customers’ needs.
The Focus Electric will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Production will occur on the same line as the gasoline version of the Focus. Ford said using an existing vehicle platform and assembly line will give Ford the ability to vary production based on demand for the Focus Electric.
Instead of a traditional gas engine, the Focus Electric’s motor will be powered by a 23 kwh lithium-ion battery. The system utilizes liquid heating and cooling system to maximize battery life and driving range.
With a focus on oversized trucks, Ford has not been a go-to for green investing over the years. But electrification is now a central piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy. The strategy includes the launch of five new electrified vehicles in Europe and North America. In addition to Focus Electric, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, two next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids and a plug-in hybrid.
Last month, Ford launched a new educational Web site on electric
vehicles. The site (at the link below)
offers video, text and diagrams to help consumers understand differences
in the technologies of electrified vehicles
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