The 2012 Ford Focus Electric has been spotted by our intrepid spy photographers while undergoing road tests in advance of its arrival late next year. But without the benefit of an electrical cord and a three-pronged plug dangling from the rear bumper, how exactly do we know this Focus is electric?
Good question, and one that is solved by peeking at the back of the car. The trick here is to look for something that isn’t there. In the case of this test mule, it’s the lack of exhaust pipes. A closer look at this Focus in profile also shows some clever camouflage used to cover up the charging port. Two pieces of camouflage on each side of the Focus—the one in back looks like where a fuel flap might normally reside—is a nice touch of visual trickery.
Due to arrive in late-2011 as a 2012 model, the Focus Electric will use a lithium-ion battery pack sourced from LG Chem. To help keep these batteries cool, the pack will be liquid-cooled to boost both lifespan and performance. Ford is expecting a range of approximately 100 miles, which is on par with the Nissan Leaf electric due soon.
The Focus Electric is one prong (pun intended) of Ford Motor Company’s plan to bring a wide range of electric vehicles and hybrids to market over the next two years. These include vehicles such as the Transit Connect Electric, a plug-in hybrid and the Focus Electric, amongst others.
Ford has also invested heavily into developing and manufacturing its range of hybrids and electric vehicles at assembly plants here in the U.S. The Focus Electric will be built at factory that used to build sport-utilities in Wayne, Michigan.
Good question, and one that is solved by peeking at the back of the car. The trick here is to look for something that isn’t there. In the case of this test mule, it’s the lack of exhaust pipes. A closer look at this Focus in profile also shows some clever camouflage used to cover up the charging port. Two pieces of camouflage on each side of the Focus—the one in back looks like where a fuel flap might normally reside—is a nice touch of visual trickery.
Due to arrive in late-2011 as a 2012 model, the Focus Electric will use a lithium-ion battery pack sourced from LG Chem. To help keep these batteries cool, the pack will be liquid-cooled to boost both lifespan and performance. Ford is expecting a range of approximately 100 miles, which is on par with the Nissan Leaf electric due soon.
The Focus Electric is one prong (pun intended) of Ford Motor Company’s plan to bring a wide range of electric vehicles and hybrids to market over the next two years. These include vehicles such as the Transit Connect Electric, a plug-in hybrid and the Focus Electric, amongst others.
Ford has also invested heavily into developing and manufacturing its range of hybrids and electric vehicles at assembly plants here in the U.S. The Focus Electric will be built at factory that used to build sport-utilities in Wayne, Michigan.