Ford announced today that it’s cranking up the assembly line for the 2012 Focus Electric at its Michigan Assembly Plant. The new EV is billed as the first five-passenger all-electric car that will offer a fuel efficiency rating of over 100 MPGe. The Focus Electric will go on sale first in New York and California, and will be available in 19 markets by the end of 2012.
Based on the popular gas model of the same name, the Focus Electric has a top speed of 84 mph, a fast charger that lets it fill up in just over three hours at 240 volts, and a smartphone app that lets drivers control some functions remotely. It’s part of a broad range of fuel-efficient and hybrid models that Ford is developing in response to a survey in which 45 percent of Ford customers said fuel economy is their top consideration.
“The Focus Electric is a shining example of the leading fuel economy Ford is offering for each new vehicle,” said Ford VP Derrick Kuzak. “Whether people want a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery-electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles.”
Image: Ford