Electric Ford Focus Up for Test Drives in the UK Starting 2010

Ford is getting closer to electrification and the recent announcement that a fleet of electric Focuses will be rolled out for a trial in the UK comes to support this statement. According to a report by autocar.co.uk, the test drives will begin in early 2010 and play a key role in Ford's global attempt to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

The American manufacturer also received support from the UK government which announced a 25 million pounds funding package for eight companies, including Ford, to develop and launch 340 electric prototypes by the end of 2010.

Although details are still in the very early stage, it might seem like the electric Focus will boast the same technology seen on the Tourneo Connect BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) concept, developed in collaboration with Smith Electric Vehicles. It will be powered by a 21kWh lithium-ion battery and will rely on a 50 kW (67 horsepower) electric engine mated to a single-speed transmission system.

"Battery electric vehicles represent an important step in Ford's pursuit of delivering more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions. Ford is looking forward to working with its project partners on developing a viable market for electric vehicles both in the UK and Europe," Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.

"The development of this fleet is an ideal way to evaluate the potential for this technology in the UK and broader European markets. By gaining real world experience with a number of prototypes we can look at the practical and business potential for us to develop battery-electric cars for the European market."