Ford just unveiled the Focus Electric at CES 2011, making industry history by being the first major auto manufacturer to ever do so. It’s a cute looking little car that can be recharged on a 240 volt outlet in four hours or less. Ford says it has a range of 100 miles and an MPGe rating of the Volt and comparable to the Leaf.
The Focus Electric features the latest MyFord Touch interface on an 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack. It will be the first car to offer the MyFord Mobile integration, allowing you to monitor your car’s charging status and climate settings.
The car also critiques your driving habits, using a rather novel approach: “the more butterflies there are, the greater the range” says Ford — and the happier the bunnies frolicing through the fields.
Very cute, possibly annoying, but at least it’s energy-efficient and helps save the environment. According to Ford, it also drives like a real car. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provides “immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration” when putting the pedal to the metal, up to a blistering 84 mph.
“More than any other electric vehicle on the market, Focus Electric loses none of the dynamics and quality of driving a traditional car,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s electrification programs and engineering. “It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart, while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience.”
Never thought of getting an electric car, but this thing looks pretty slick. What do you think?
via Engadget