All-Electric Focus Provides Quick Charge Times & MyTouch Smart Technology-

One of the most talked about cars at NAIAS this year is Ford’s brand new Focus electric model, a sleek 5 passenger hatchback that boasts absolutely zero emissions. This new EV has already set itself apart from the competition with a quick charge capability of around three to four hours using a 240-volt station — at least half the time of the Nissan LEAF. Another difference between the Focus and LEAF, is that this EV is helping put America back to work at Ford’s Dearborn, MI manufacturing plant and, to boot, part of the production process is powered by one of the largest solar energy systems in the state. The car is made using sustainable and renewable materials, with parts of the car’s interior made using old, recycled jeans. In fact, the post-consumer cotton from blue jeans used throughout the vehicle adds up to around two pairs of average sized American jeans — based on the yards of denim required to make a pair of jeans. “Ford is continually looking for greener alternatives,” said Carrie Majeske, product sustainability manager. “One of our key goals is to use more recycled or renewable materials without compromising performance or durability. Recycled content is a way to divert waste from landfills and reduce the impact of mining virgin material.” Ford, in collaboration with LG Chem, has also developed an advanced lithium-ion battery system which utilizes both heated and cooled liquid to help prolong battery life and improve driving range. Besides its obvious environmental perks, the Focus will also feature MyFord Touch smart technology that will offer in-depth vehicle statistics and data, with information such as battery state of charge, distance to local charging stations and even ways to optimize driving range. Derrick Kuzak, Ford group VP for Global Product Development comments, “Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles… Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs.” This brand new Focus will be available for purchase in late 2010, and is just one of the five new electrified vehicles that the company plans to make available in North America and Europe by 2013. Ford has promised us at GEN a test drive of the Focus in the coming months, so please stay tuned!