Ford is investing an additional $4.5 billion in electrified vehicle solutions by 2020, including a new Focus Electric with all-new DC fast-charge capability.
Ford is adding 13 new electrified vehicles to its portfolio by 2020, when more than 40 per cent of the company’s global nameplates will come in electrified versions. This represents Ford’s largest-ever electrified vehicle investment in a five-year period.
On the way next year is a new Focus Electric, which features all-new DC fast-charge capability delivering an 80 per cent charge in an estimated 30 minutes and a projected 100‑mile range (according to US standards) – an estimated two hours faster than today’s Focus Electric.
The new Focus Electric, which starts production late next year will provide European and North American customers with the following features:
– SmartGauge with EcoGuide LCD Instrument Cluster, which offers a multitude of customisable displays that can help the driver see real-time electric vehicle power usage to help maximise vehicle efficiency
– Brake Coach: helps the driver apply smooth braking to maximise the energy captured through the regenerative braking system, which is then returned to the vehicle’s battery
– Fun-to-drive character, with agile steering and handling engineered into the vehicle to give drivers a more connected feel to the road
At the same time, Ford is expanding its electrified vehicle research and development programme in Europe and Asia this year, creating a “hub and spoke” system that allows the global team to further accelerate battery technology and take advantage of market specific opportunities.
