First European-Built Fully-Electric Ford Vehicle Rolls off the Line
SAARLOUIS, Germany, June 12, 2013 – Ford Motor Company opened a new chapter in its European manufacturing history. The company began producing the Focus Electric at its Saarlouis plant in Germany.
Most importantly, the Focus Electric became Ford’s first fully electric vehicle built in Europe. Therefore, the milestone marked an important step in the company’s expanding electrification strategy.
In addition, Ford integrated Focus Electric production into its established Saarlouis manufacturing operations. Consequently, the company could build its electric model alongside conventional Focus vehicles. Meanwhile, European production brought Ford’s zero-emission technology closer to customers across the region.
CMAX Energi PHEV too
The zero-emission Ford Focus Electric spearheaded Ford’s growing lineup of plug-in vehicles. Moreover, Ford expanded its electrified range in Europe. The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) joined the lineup the following year. Soon after, the all-new Mondeo Hybrid followed.
Ford developed the Focus Electric as a global “One Ford” vehicle. Therefore, the company designed it for customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The Focus Electric used an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain. Together, the system produced 143 PS. In addition, the electric hatchback reached a top speed of 136 km/h, or about 85 mph.
Ford began manufacturing the Focus Electric in North America in December 2011. Meanwhile, the company prepared its European production operation in Saarlouis, Germany. Consequently, the Saarlouis-built Focus Electric began reaching European customers in August 2013.
Most importantly, the Focus Electric represented another step in Ford’s early move toward vehicle electrification. At the same time, the C-MAX Energi and Mondeo Hybrid broadened the company’s strategy beyond fully electric cars. Therefore, Ford could offer drivers several ways to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.
Ford Focus Electric in Europe
“Focus Electric marks the dawn of an exciting new age of full-electric Ford passenger vehicles in Europe, and demonstrates the success of the One Ford strategy in making this sophisticated vehicle available to our European customers,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “It’s a car that addresses the mobility demands and environmental concerns of today’s car buyers in the most direct way possible – combining performance and advanced technology with a zero-emission powertrain.”
The launch of European production of Focus Electric was attended by Bernhard Mattes, chairman Ford-Werke GmbH; Martin Chapman, Saarlouis plant manager, Ford of Germany; Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Altmaier, and Prime Minister of the Saarland, Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer.
Ford Investment into European Electric Focus
Ford has invested €16 million to integrate Focus Electric production directly into the established Focus production line at Saarlouis, delivering the flexibility to react to market demand with increased production volumes.
“The start of Focus Electric production in Saarlouis is hugely significant for Ford in Germany, and underlines Ford’s position as a leader in automotive innovation,” said Mattes. “We are giving customers the Power of Choice so they can decide whether a fuel efficient conventional powertrain or an electrified vehicle is right for their needs.”
The all-new Focus Electric is the first full-electric vehicle to be manufactured in Germany directly from a volume production line. Each Focus Electric is equipped with a 6.6 kW fully integrated onboard charger that can deliver around 100 km driving range with 2-3 hours charging, and around 150 km driving range with 3-4 hours charging from a 32 A power supply.*
Focus Electric features a new user interface called SmartGauge which calculates and displays range based on remaining energy; the driver’s unique vehicle use, across braking and acceleration inputs; and the use of accessories such as climate control and audio systems.
The Focus Electric’s sophisticated powertrain uses regenerative braking to capture up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy normally lost during the braking process, while the innovative Brake Coach feature encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery.
Source: Ford Motor Company
