Ford commits to new Focus Electric 11 | 12 | 2015
FORD WILL LAUNCH an all-new Focus Electric as part of its $4.5 billion —around £2.9bn — investment in electrification. The car is expected to go on-sale in Scotland late in 2016 — in time for the 2017 model year — and forms part of a 13-model surge in EVs by 2020.
Utilising a new DC fast-charging function, Ford says the new Focus Electric will be capable of receiving an 80% charge in 30 minutes, providing 100 miles of range. Currently, the US-market Focus Electric can manage the same charge in around 2.5 hours.
The company also says the new car will include a configurable digital instrument cluster, allowing the driver to "see real-time electric vehicle power usage to help maximise vehicle efficiency". In addition, it will have a braking coach' function to help drivers apply smooth braking.
Related: Ford takes 1500 orders for new Focus RS
Ford has been here before in the UK. The previous Focus Electric featured a 143bhp electric motor which allowed it to reach 62mph in 11.7sec, hit a top speed of 85mph, and cost £33,500.
But today's announcement sees the latest Focus Electric form part of Ford's global EV push which will see it add 13 new electric vehicles to its range by 2020. The development will also see the create of electrified versions of 40% of its models.
Committing to what it calls "its largest-ever electric vehicle investment over a five-year period", the company says its investment in electric vehicle technology "addresses global trends calling for cleaner, more efficient vehicles."
Related: Scots new car sales fall in November
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Jim McGill