First European-built Ford Focus Electric rolls off the line

Ford has begun a new chapter in its vehicle manufacturing history with the start of production of the all-new Ford Focus Electric - the first full-electric vehicle to be built by Ford in Europe.

The zero-emission Focus Electric is spearheading Ford's line-up of electrified and highly fuel-efficient vehicles, and will be joined in Europe by the Ford C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle next year, followed by the all-new Ford Mondeo Hybrid soon after.

Developed as a "One Ford" global vehicle, the Focus Electric features an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain that produces 145PS and achieves a top speed of 84mph. Each vehicle is equipped with a 6.6kW fully integrated onboard charger that can achieve a driving range of around 60 miles with 2-3 hours charging from a 32 A power supply. A full charge of the Focus Electric battery in 3-4 hours will deliver a 100-mile range.

Barb Samardzich, product development vice president, Ford of Europe, said: "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."

The Ford Focus Electric features a new user interface called SmartGauge which calculates and displays driving range based on remaining energy; the driver's unique 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.

Ford has integrated Focus Electric production directly into the established Ford Focus production line at Saarlouis, in Germany, with units reaching customers from July this year.