NYIAS 2011: Ford Focus Electric

Having shown its face for the first time in the beginning of the year, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the electric version of the Focus is being taken on an auto show tour by Ford, who is trying to present the world with what it hopes will be the beginning of an entire future lineup of electric vehicles.

This week, during the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the Focus is meeting its future potential customers from the East Coast. Of course, most of the details surrounding the model are already known from the previous auto shows. And by most we do not mean details like range, which hasn't been announced yet by Ford.

The first passenger electric vehicle from Ford comes equipped with a 100 kW electric motor which works in conjunction with a 23-kWh battery. The top speed of the model is rated at 84 mph (136km/h).  According to the manufacturer, the Focus Electric can be recharged completely in three hours from a 240-volt home-installed charging station.

The Focus electric will begin selling towards the end of the year, being the first of what Ford says will be a total of 5 electric vehicles it will launch in the near future.

"Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles. Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Global Product Development, at the time of the model's presentation in Detroit.