Photos: Ford Motor Company
Ford is showing off a prototype of the Focus BEV at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Based on the existing European design, it features a 23 kWh lithium-ion tri-metal battery pack and is powered by a 100 kW electric motor that delivers 320 Nm of torque. The Focus BEV has a top speed of 85mph and has an estimated range of 75 miles per charge.
The Focus Battery Electric Vehicle has been specifically developed to participate in the UK’s Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles research program that’s starting in early 2010. The program, consisting of a fleet of 15 prototype vehicles as well as charging infrastructure, will test whether the technology is suitable for European road and driving conditions.
“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 working with the various project partners on developing a realistic solution and viable market for electric vehicles both in the UK and Europe. – John Fleming, Chairman & CEO Ford of Europe
It’s expected to take between six to eight hours to fully charge the batteries using a common 230 volt grid. The Focus BEV also incorporates specific components from Ford’s hybrid technology developed in North America, including its electric climate control system.
Achieving the co-operation necessary for allowing this UK program to succeed shows the potential for similar vehicle fleets in other European and North American countries. There certainly is potential for electric vehicles in Canada, however, a logical first step would be to test the vehicle’s fitness during harsh winter conditions.
