Ford Focus Electric - Up Close and Personal

Ford Focus Electric

Ford Motor Company held a Drive Event at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA this past fall and I was able to get some pics and videos up close with the new Ford Focus Electric as it charged at the free Solar Charging Spot at Atlantic Station.

Free Solar Charging Point at Atlantic Station

The Ford Focus Electric looks very similar to a standard Focus until you look under the hood. It has a liquid-cooled electric motor rated for 123hp or 92 kW. The fuel storage system consists of 23kWh of lithium-ion batteries that can be charged in 3-4 hours on a 240v power source.

Ford Focus EV - Under the Hood

The dash is also very similar to the standard Ford Focus. The controls are laid out comfortably with a console-mounted shifter for the single speed automatic transmission.

Ford Focus EV Cockpit

The interior seating also looks similar to the standard Ford Focus but look closely and notice the fabric made from recycled post-consumer waste. This should help with appealing to the green buying crowd.

Ford Focus EV Interior

The base model price of the Ford Focus Electric is $39,995 before federal and state incentives. For Federal, you'll get a $7,500 tax credit. In my home state of Georgia, you'll get an additional $5,000 tax credit. That brings the net cost to $27,495.00 before sales tax. Visit the Department of Energy's State Tax Incentive Site for more information on tax credits available in your state.

Pro: Charges in less time than the Nissan Leaf's 240v charging system

Con: Doesn't have a HVDC charging outlet (like the Nissan Leaf) so don't expect to pull into Cracker Barrel for a 30 minute Quick Charge in this EV.

Now I hope you enjoy a video overview of the whole package.

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Comments

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/02/2012 - 16:43

I wonder why they make the charger and connector look so much like a regular gasoline fill up? Since these need to be connected for hours at a time, rather than a minute or two - I'd have thought that it would have been useful to have a more functional design - e.g. one that kept rain out of the connector while the batteries are charging.

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/02/2012 - 17:17

Those chargers are a standard, SAE J1772. The spec says: "When coupled, the vehicle inlet shall have an effective sealing system for outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose-directed water, and external ice formation per UL 50, type 3S: Standard for Enclosures for Electrical Equipment as specified in UL2251: Plugs, Receptacles, and Couplers for Electric Vehicles."

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/02/2012 - 12:01

I really want one of these. But they aren't sold here, and wow, they cost a fortune. :( I was really hoping it'd come in at or under the Leaf's MSRP. I've lately been idly considering a Zero electric motorcycle. Still pricey but under $10k at least. :)

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