Ford Focus BEV prototype, Focus ECOnetic unveiled at Frankfurt

Ford Focus BEV prototypes and the Focus ECOnetic were unveiled at Frankfurt

Ford has unveiled its Focus-based Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The Focus BEV prototypes will form a part of the company’s ultra-low carbon vehicles research programme in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

‘Electrification is a key element in the effective use of Ford's global resources and talents. The development of this fleet of Focus BEV prototypes is an important step in our goal of delivering more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions that are affordable and practical for our customers. We are looking forward to developing a realistic solution and viable market for electric vehicles both in the UK and Europe,’ says John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

The Focus BEV, based on the current European Ford Focus, will use an all-electric powertrain, provided by Magna. The powertrain consists of a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a permanent-magnet electric traction motor that produces 100kW and 320Nm of torque. The BEV will have a range of up to 120km and a top speed of up to 135km/h. Charging the batteries will take between six to eight hours, using a common 230 volt grid.

While it’ll be some time before the Focus BEV is ready to go mainstream, Ford has another Focus which is ready right now – the Focus ECOnetic, with stop-start technology. This car, which will be available in 2010, features a significant boost in fuel economy and lower emissions.

The Focus ECOnetic is fitted with Ford’s 1.6-litre, 109bhp TDCi diesel engine and features bits like the new Eco Mode system, a driver information system and Smart Regenerative Charging, which makes sure the car’s battery is kept charged in the most efficient way.