Ford Motor Company announced that it has certified the first dealers that will sell the company’s first all-electric car – the Ford Focus Electric – America’s most fuel-efficient five-seater.
The 67 dealers are in California, New York and New Jersey –markets that account for a large percentage of electrified vehicle sales and will begin seeing the Focus Electric later this spring. By the end of the year, Ford Focus Electric will be available nationwide.
Certification means the dealerships have met the automaker’s guidelines for dealers selling electric vehicles – including installation of at least two onsite charging stations and participation in highly specialized training in the field of electric vehicles.
With more motor power, standard features, passenger room and faster charging time than Nissan Leaf, dealers have been eager to start selling Focus Electric.
First, however, they had to satisfy a list of other requirements to become certified, including:
– Installing at least two electric car charging stations, one available to the public the other in the service area
– Participation in a Ford Go Green Dealer Onsite Facility Assessment meant to identify energy and cost saving opportunities, and undergo energy saving upgrades in the dealership
– Maintain at least one Ford Focus Electric on-site for customer demos and events
– At least 80% of the staff must “meet specific electric vehicle training certification requirements that cover topics including advanced knowledge of electrification”
– Point-of-sale display materials for the Ford Focus Electric.
Focus Electric has been certified by the EPA to offer 110 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe.
Production of the Focus Electric began in December 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
After first being available in California, New York and New Jersey, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the U.S. by summer’s end, nationwide by the end of the year.
