10 September 2010 - The Ford Focus Electric is scheduled to be launched next year in the US and 2012 in Europe. The electrified Focus will be powered purely by batteries, which means it will never use a drop of gas and will produce zero emissions. Good-bye gas tank. Sayonara tailpipe. The litium-ion battery pack will showcase thermal management technology for the first time which will aid battery longevity, and provide a longer between-charge range.
Lithium-ion batteries heat and cool when varying demands are thrown upon it, just like any other form of energy. The problem with lithium-ion batteries is when they begin to overheat they start to lack in power output and also provide less energy, the same result can occur during extra-cold conditions. Ford has come up with a liquid-cooling and heating design to manage thermal stability for the battery of the upcoming Focus Electric though, which Ford claims will extend the life of the battery as well as maximise the driving range.
Focus Electric will be rechargeable through wall outlets and is targeted to get up to 100 miles per charge, making it ideal for daily commuters and others who drive predictable “around town” routes. Charging the car’s lithium-ion batteries will take between six to eight hours using a 220V wall outlet, or longer, using a 110V outlet.
Focus Electric will also feature a user-friendly interface similar to the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s award-winning SmartGauge™ display to provide the driver with information on vehicle range and battery charge.
“Ford is committed to help lead the way to find creative solutions to ensure that electrified vehicles can deliver benefits to our customers, the environment and our business around the globe in a sustainable way,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification.
Source: The Ford Story
