Remember when driving was simple? A key in the ignition, rotary knobs for the radio and heat, push-buttons for radio channels and a column-shifter for the 3-speed automatic transmission?
With environmental concerns and rising gas prices, that has all changed. That once simple task has turned into something that sounds incredibly complex.
Ford’s electrification strategy will deliver choices for those interested in EVs by 2012, including the Ford Transit Connect Electric, two next-generation hybrids powered by lithium-ion batteries, a plug-in hybrid and the Ford Focus Electric.
Unveiled today, January 7, 2011, this will be the first fuel-free rechargeable passenger car from Ford.
This sleek new design for the Focus looks great on the outside. The interior has a far more modern design than the outgoing model. The styling is fine, but this car is so much more than skin-deep. I have not even had a chance to drive this car, yet there is so much to say about it!
The Focus Electric will be for sale sometime late in 2011 and Ford says it will get a better “kilometre per litre” equivalent than the Chevrolet Volt.
Owners will most likely be recharging the car's lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis. Options will be using the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle or the recommended 240-volt, wall-mounted charge station. Pricing has not been announced on the wall unit, which will be sold separately from the car.
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, which means that for their weight they can store more. They also hold their charge longer than other types of rechargeable batteries.
Owners of this car will most likely have to handle the vehicle’s charge cord connectors a few times a day. Ford has provided the car with an industry-standard five-point plug that is comfortable to hold and durable.
When the cord is plugged in, it activates a light ring that loops around the port and illuminates as the vehicle charges. The vehicle is fully charged when the entire ring is completely lit – sounds simple enough.
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| Photo: Ford |
With environmental concerns and rising gas prices, that has all changed. That once simple task has turned into something that sounds incredibly complex.
Ford’s electrification strategy will deliver choices for those interested in EVs by 2012, including the Ford Transit Connect Electric, two next-generation hybrids powered by lithium-ion batteries, a plug-in hybrid and the Ford Focus Electric.
Unveiled today, January 7, 2011, this will be the first fuel-free rechargeable passenger car from Ford.
This sleek new design for the Focus looks great on the outside. The interior has a far more modern design than the outgoing model. The styling is fine, but this car is so much more than skin-deep. I have not even had a chance to drive this car, yet there is so much to say about it!
The Focus Electric will be for sale sometime late in 2011 and Ford says it will get a better “kilometre per litre” equivalent than the Chevrolet Volt.
Owners will most likely be recharging the car's lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis. Options will be using the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle or the recommended 240-volt, wall-mounted charge station. Pricing has not been announced on the wall unit, which will be sold separately from the car.
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, which means that for their weight they can store more. They also hold their charge longer than other types of rechargeable batteries.
Owners of this car will most likely have to handle the vehicle’s charge cord connectors a few times a day. Ford has provided the car with an industry-standard five-point plug that is comfortable to hold and durable.
When the cord is plugged in, it activates a light ring that loops around the port and illuminates as the vehicle charges. The vehicle is fully charged when the entire ring is completely lit – sounds simple enough.
 |
| Photo: Ford |