SunPower Corp. and Ford today announced a new partnership in which the blue oval will offer Ford Focus Electric buyers, a solar panel that can be installed at home on a rooftop.
This initiative aims to give consumers yet another reason to buy the automaker's first electric car. The device will be able to provide enough renewable energy, thus compensating offset the energy used for charging.
To be precise, the 2.5-kilowatt panel produces an average of 3,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power a Focus to drive about 19,300 kilometres a year.
However, taking care of the environment has a price. In this particular case, consumers will need to take at least $10,000 out of their pockets (including federal tax credits and before taxes) for a base version. Fortunately for them (and their accountant’s mental health), they will have the opportunity to finance their purchase.
The technology will also be compatible with the upcoming plug-in C-Max that should be delivered somewhere in 2012.
If it's too expensive, US consumers can always put their sights on a 240-volt fast charging station, that will be distributed across the United States through Best Buy retailers.
This initiative aims to give consumers yet another reason to buy the automaker's first electric car. The device will be able to provide enough renewable energy, thus compensating offset the energy used for charging.
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| Photo: Ford |
To be precise, the 2.5-kilowatt panel produces an average of 3,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power a Focus to drive about 19,300 kilometres a year.
However, taking care of the environment has a price. In this particular case, consumers will need to take at least $10,000 out of their pockets (including federal tax credits and before taxes) for a base version. Fortunately for them (and their accountant’s mental health), they will have the opportunity to finance their purchase.
The technology will also be compatible with the upcoming plug-in C-Max that should be delivered somewhere in 2012.
If it's too expensive, US consumers can always put their sights on a 240-volt fast charging station, that will be distributed across the United States through Best Buy retailers.