Focus BEV Debuts Today On Jay Leno’s Show

A battery electric Ford Focus is about to make its television debut tonight on Jay Leno’s Show in the so called “Green Car Challenge.” The specially tuned Focus BEV will be used during the entire season, driven by several celebrity guests. The first celebrity to race the car is Drew Barrymore. The vehicle is based on the European five-door production Focus ST, modified into a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and is one of the four electric vehicles that Ford will introduce through 2012. The ST-based car was built in Germany in July and delivered to Ford's HQ in Dearborn, Michigan, where it underwent several modifications including removing the traditional engine and gas tank and installing an entire electric powertrain. The tuned Focus BEV features Recaro racing seats, a full roll cage, a five-point racing harness and a special "Electric Orange" paint scheme. The car is said to be delivering as much torque at the wheels as a 2010 Ford Mustang V-6, a range of nearly 80 miles on a charge and peak power of 141 hp (105 kW). The front springs and dampers come from the Ford Focus RS, while the rear dampers and springs are unique to it. Vehicle specs: