To help with the charging infrastructure, Ford has partnered with Best Buy to install home charging stations for its all-new Ford Focus Electric, costing about US$1,500 each.
Focus Electric owners will be able to purchase the stations through 1,200 Best Buy stores across the U.S. or through the Best Buy website, then the retailer will offer complete consultation and installation services through its Geek Squad subsidiary and third-party licensed electrical contractors.
Ford Focus Electric comes with a 120-volt charging cord, but Ford said most owners will want to buy an optional 240-volt charging system, because it will take 16 to 20 hours to fully recharge the car with the 120-volt cord.
It will take three to four hours to charge the Focus Electric with 240-volt charging system, or about half the time as the Nissan LEAF, according to Ford.
Best Buy will sell the 240-volt charging stations for $1,499, or 30% less than competing systems. The retailer will also handle warranty and repair claims for the unit. By comparison, Nissan estimates the entire cost for installing its charger is $2,200, while GM’s Voltec charging station will cost $1,965, installed.
