Ford Slows Down on the Launch of Focus Electric

Ford has decided to delay the launch of its Focus Electric without saying why. The car was originally expected to roll-out in 19 markets before the end of this year, but curiously the car manufacturer will release the EV Focus into dealerships in New York and California by the end of 2011. As for the rest of the proposed markets, the potential buyers will have to wait until next spring.

The Ford Focus Electric is one of a number of five plug-in and battery-electric vehicles, the manufacturer plans to release over the next several years. The first model was a battery-powered version of the Transit Connect which made its debut in 2010. Ford also plans to introduce a plug-in version of the upcoming C-Max microvan which will be called C-Max Energi. Ford executives won’t discuss the delayed launch but the car manufacturer won’t be the first in this position when it comes to launching battery technology, according to The Detroit Bureau.

If we are to take a look at Nissan and GM, both decided to start slow with their production of their Leaf and Volt models respectively. One suspected reason would be the desire of avoiding major quality problems when adopting entirely new technology. The particular care might be a result of the fact that the Focus Electric will mark the first time Ford has used lithium-ion technology.

By 2012 , Ford expects to increase Focus Electric availability to the other 17 markets which include: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh Durham, Richmond, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson and Washington, D.C.