Efficiency of 2012 Ford Focus Electric surpasses 100 mpg equivalent
Posted on January 22nd, 2012
The adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles has been a slow one among consumers, but automakers are working hard to unveil new options and make the market more competitive. Ford is staying in the race to provide the most efficient and cost-effective products to consumers, and recently announced that its 2012 Focus Electric exceeds other 100 mpg equivalents. This accomplishment makes it the first five-passenger vehicle to reach the 100 mpg mark.
The new Ford electric vehicle is expected to host a number of other benefits that will allow it to remain competitive, the first of which is its cooling and heating system which maximizes its efficiency. The lithium-ion battery is equipped with a system that regulates the temperature of heating and cooling liquids based on outside temperatures. During cold weather, the liquid is heated to warm the battery and alternately cooled on warm days to absorb heat from the battery.
In addition to its heating and cooling system, the time it takes to fully charge the vehicle is significantly lower than that of its competitors. The 2012 Focus Electric can fully charge in no more than four hours, half the amount of time it takes the Nissan LEAF to charge.
“Focus Electrics innovative faster charging technology can help customers save money and get much more out of the car in a busy day of running around town and recharging between stops,” said Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering director Sherif Marakby.
Ford also said the fuel-efficiency the new vehicle offers to consumers will likely play a role in the cars success. Basing its calculations on a $3.30 gas-per-gallon cost and measuring energy in kilowatt-hours, the automaker notes the cost to drive 80 miles would come to $2.10 vs. $8.80 it would cost for an average 30 mpg gas-powered vehicle.
Expected popularity
Ford expects the new vehicle to gain a strong following and already began taking orders for the vehicles in November from dealers in California, New York and New Jersey. The automaker expects to expand the availability of the Focus Electric into 15 other markets following a production increase.
The new vehicles are priced at $39,200; however, consumers who purchase the cars would be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, Cars.com reports*. The Focus Electric will also be equipped with a range of technology and features to add safety and comfort to drivers, including the MyFord Touch navigation system, SmartGauge and mobile applications.
“Focus Electric was designed to deliver the same dynamics and quality of a conventional Ford Focus,” said Eric Kuehn, Focus Electric chief nameplate engineer. “It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience.”
*according to Cars.com on Dec. 15, 2011
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Tags: Ford, Ford Focus
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