Dr Automotive Design and Tools

Auto industry executives are trying to make Silicon Valley engineers feel at home in Detroit. With a burgeoning number of technology job openings to fill, they're scouring Internet companies for workers, wining and dining applicants, and seeking promising students at schools such as Stanford University.

"We have a whole slew of job postings out there currently," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's connected service solutions, who has been trying to lure engineers to the automaker to design software. "We're just on a growth binge."

Expertise in cloud computing, mobile software applications and energy management are in demand in the Motor City as automakers replace car stereos with Internet radio and gasoline engines with motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. Technology job postings in the Detroit area doubled last year, making it the fastest-expanding region in the country, according to Dice Holdings Inc., a job-listing Web site.

"There's a war for talent out there, and it's only going to get worse," said Jim Bazner, vice president of human capital solutions at MSX International in suburban Detroit, which helps automakers find specialized employees. "There are hundreds of jobs, and all the automakers are hiring."

Dearth of graduates

Ford and General Motors Co. are rapidly hiring graduates from local universities as fast as they can -- there just aren't enough of them.

"If we filled every opening that's been posted or recruited just in the Lansing area, we'd be able to hire out all of our graduates three times over," said Garth Motschenbacher, who helps place computer-science graduates at Michigan State University. About 70 percent of the school's 54 students scheduled to graduate in May have jobs lined up, he said. "The number of students has not kept up with the opportunities."

Still, attracting engineers to Detroit rather than Silicon Valley can be a challenge. The San Francisco area is home to more technology companies offering more job openings than Detroit. California's mild climate and history of innovation are also a draw. Yet Detroit is bouncing back.

Companies that work with automakers on in-car entertainment systems, such as online streaming music providers Pandora Media Inc. and Mog Inc., have opened offices in the Detroit area. Google Inc., based in Mountain View, Calif., has an office in Birmingham, Mich., where it's looking for sales associates to work with the auto industry.

New wave

Marty Zacharias is part of the wave of new hires. The former Nissan Motor Co. and Ford employee joined Berkeley, Calif.-based Mog last month -- in its new Detroit office. He'll work directly with companies such as BMW AG's Mini and others to get Mog's Web-based subscription music service into vehicles.

"Many more Detroit-based automotive industry employees will follow a similar path to mine," Zacharias said in an e-mail, "or join advanced technology divisions within the established automotive companies."

The expansion has caught the eye of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which announced in December that it will open its first satellite office in Detroit. The region's high percentage of scientists and engineers, as well as its patent output, spurred the decision, said Paul Fucito, a patent office spokesman. The 4,000 patents granted to Michigan in fiscal 2010 ranked seventh among U.S. states, he said. The facility is likely to create about 100 new jobs to review patent filings.

Recession's toll

One reason why the job growth in Detroit appears so high is because the recession's toll went so deep, said Tom Silver, senior vice president of Dice Holdings and author of the jobs report showing a surge in the area.

"The recovery there is actually looking pretty substantial, but it's also a reflection, to some extent, that Detroit was probably hit a little harder than the other markets," he said.

According to 2010 U.S. Census data released this week, the city of Detroit's population plunged 25 percent over the past decade to 713,777 residents, down from a peak of 1.85 million in 1950.

Michigan lost about 413,000 jobs from December 2007 through December 2009, including 83,200 jobs in the Detroit area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Things picked up last year, as jobs in the Detroit-area professional and business-services sector, which include many of the tech jobs, rose almost twice as fast in December as the overall Michigan job market, according to the bureau.

Even with efforts to mimic Silicon Valley office culture, recruiting people to move from the West Coast to Detroit is difficult, said Micky Bly, GM's executive director of electric vehicles, battery and infotainment systems.

"I don't want to categorize it as an issue, but it is tough," he said. "You don't have people begging to come to the Michigan area."

Salary gap

Compensation is one reason why. While average salaries for Detroit technology jobs rose 2.3 percent last year to $71,445, that's still less than the national average of $79,384, and about 28 percent lower than the $99,028 paid in Silicon Valley, according to Dice Holdings. More than 940 technology jobs are currently available in the Detroit metro region, compared with more than 5,060 in Silicon Valley.

Still, Bly says the quality of life can be attractive for some. "They can get a whole lot of house in Michigan for what they can get in San Francisco," he said.

The workplace culture among automakers is also relaxing, as they attempt to adopt some of the perks more common at startups, like wearing jeans to work or telecommuting. That's a big change from when Bly started at GM 20 years ago, when everyone wore a collared shirt and a tie.

"The variation was in your pant color -- you could have gray, black or blue," Bly said. While things have changed, the perks still aren't the same as in Silicon Valley, he said.

"Do we have a free cafeteria like Google? No, but our stock isn't up to $400 a share yet," Bly said. Google currently trades at more than $575 a share, while GM's stock sits at $31. "When we get $400 a share, I'll make sure we have free meals for everyone here."

Ford’s forthcoming electric Focus will be sold in the same way as a conventional car, meaning its battery pack will be included as standard.

Ford’s UK managing director Nigel Sharp said the company would not consider leasing the Focus’s lithium-ion battery pack separately to sale: “We’re waiting to see how the market reacts to other electric cars, but we are sure leasing batteries is not the way to go, even if it would bring the initial price down," he said. "The Focus must be sold as a conventional car would be."

The electric Focus is the flagship of its five-strong fleet of alternatively fuelled cars and a significant all-electric rival to the Nissan Leaf, which also has the battery pack included in its purchase price.

The Focus’s electric motor is powered by a 28kWh lithium ion battery, giving a top speed of 84mph. A standard full recharge from a 240V outlet will take three to four hours — half the time of the Nissan Leaf — and Ford is targeting a range of 100 miles.

Ford Motor Company and Azure Dynamics announce that Norwegian Post becomes the first European customer of the Ford Transit Connect Electric with order of 20 units

The all-electric, zero-emission Ford Transit Connect Electric van has a targeted range of up to 130km (80 miles) per full charge, and is ideal for fleet owners with well-defined routes

Transit Connect Electric is the first of five new electrified vehicles Ford is bringing to market in Europe by 2013, including the Ford Focus Electric debuting next year

Ford and Azure Dynamics Corporation have confirmed their first European customer for the zero-emission Ford Transit Connect Electric van. Norwegian Post today signed a contract to purchase 20 Transit Connect Electric vehicles, with an option to order more vehicles in the future. Norwegian Post is the largest provider of mail and logistics servicesand the biggest employer in Norway.

"The Norwegian Post will be an environmental leader in the mail and logistics industry by taking advantage of the latest technology available," said Dag Mejdell, CEO, Norwegian Post. "In signing a contract for delivery of the new Ford Transit Connect Electric, the Norwegian Post is taking an important step towards its goal of reducing 150.000 tonnes of CO2 annually."

Ford and Azure are introducing the Transit Connect Electric in summer 2011, as increasing numbers of fleet operators are demanding the benefits of efficient, clean alternative power for their vehicles.

With 28kWh of power to call on, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120km/h (75mph) and a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a full charge.

"Transit Connect Electric was designed and engineered with customers like Norwegian Post in mind," said Scott Harrison, Azure CEO. "The ForceDrive(TM) powertrain excels under the types of urban driving conditions that the Transit Connect Electric is likely to encounter during postal delivery routes. We're honoured to have Norwegian Post as our inaugural customer in Europe and are eager to help them achieve theenvironmental, operational and performance goals that they seek."

Ford's Global Electric vehicle plan

The Ford Transit Connect Electric - Ford's first all-electric vehicle in Europe - is the first of five electrified vehicles that Ford plans to launch in Europe by 2013. Next comes the Ford Focus Electric in 2012, followed by the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, as well as another hybrid electric model in 2013.

"By providing a variety of electrified vehicles, we are making it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology," said Thormod Skofsrud, managing director, Ford Norway. "This strategy is true to our heritage of making innovative technology available to as many people as possible and to our vision of developing great products."

Practical and affordable

Transit Connect Electric will offer European operators the opportunity to eliminate petrol bills in their small vans and help to lower overall maintenance and running costs.

Ford's Transit Connect commercial platform is an ideal choice for battery electric power thanks to its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, generous cargo capacity, easy accessibility and low operation costs.

With a cargo volume 3.8 m3 and a payload of 500 kg, Transit Connect Electric will particularly appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop and go driving. Transit Connect Electric can be recharged using standard European 220/240-volt outlets in approximately eight hours. Commercial van users generally return to a central location at the end of a driving cycle perfect for recharging over night.

Zero emissions

The Transit Connect Electric is a pure electric-powered version of the award-winning, long-wheelbase Transit Connect light commercial vehicle. Azure's proprietary Force Drive(TM) powertrain uses an advanced lithium ion battery pack designed by Johnson Controls-Saft to power the vehicle that produces zero tailpipe emissions.

Azure's ForceDrive(TM) powertrain has previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and has more than 35 million miles of on-the-road experience.

Tried and tested

The Transit Connect Electric goes on sale in European markets this summer following its successful launch in North America in December 2010.

'Glider' units - complete vehicles except for the powertrain - are shipped from the Ford Otosan manufacturing facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, directly to an Azure-contracted up-fitter for final assembly. The completed Transit Connect Electric vehicles are then sold by Azure Dynamics through a specially-created network of dealerships. The European Transit Connect Electric will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure's Force Drive logo.

Transit Connect Electric builds on an existing relationship between Ford and Azure and battery supplier Johnson Controls-Saft.

"Transit Connect Electric exemplifies how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from the laboratory to the street," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford's future."

Transit Connect Electric Technical data

Body

'Glider' assembly at Ford Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey

Final assembly by Azure Dynamics Corporation

Propulsion architecture

Siemens AC induction motor, Azure Dynamics inverter

Borg-Warner transaxle, Johnson Controls-Saft battery pack

System voltage range 260V - 380V

Electric drive system

Motor Siemens model 135, 3-phase AC induction motor, 300V nominal, liquid-cooled

Torque 158 Nm (continuous) / 235 Nm (peak)

Transmission Borg-Warner 31-03, single-speed

Gear ratio 8.28:1

IEC 62196 type 1

Battery

Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion pack

Capacity 28 kWh, 16 modules / (192 cells)

Voltage range 215V - 390V / charger - 3.3 kW

Weights and capacities

Maximum payload 500 kg

Curb weight 1791 kg (est.)

Cargo volume 3.8 m3

Performance

Driving range up to 130 km (80 miles) per full charge

Charge time of around 8 hours for full cycle using 230 V

Top speed 120 km/h (75 mph)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 12 seconds (based on kerb weight)

0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 15 seconds (based on gross vehicle weight rating)

Pictures' Copyrights
Ford, Audi

What's the difference between a BEV and a PHEV? Or why is an HEV considered an electrified vehicle?

As electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work and if it's right for them.

Ford offers some easy to understand explanations about electric vehicle technology with this new online video.

There is a very interesting branding coincident happened recently. I don't know anyone is aware of this or not. Ferrari F150, 2011 season F1 car has the same name as Ford's well-known pickup F150 !



Pictures' Copyrights
Ford, Ferrari

Ford has cranked the numbers on its all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric to reveal that savings in servicing costs alone will lead to an extra $1171 in the pockets of its owners.

The calculation was made comparing the 2012 Focus Electric with a standard petrol-powered 2012 Focus over the total life of the vehicles (240,000km), highlighting all of the servicing areas that do not apply to electric vehicles:

• 15 oil and filter changes at $29.95 each – $449.25
• Five air filter replacements at $24.95 each – $124.75
• Two cooling system flushes at $109 each – $218
• One transmission service – $179
• One drive belt replacement – $130
• One new set of spark plugs and installation – $69.95

The total saving of $1170.95 almost covers the cost of Ford’s fast charging home system, which will be sold separately for around $1499. (This also assumes that there are no servicing costs associated with the battery pack or any of the EV-specific components.)

Of course, these figures overlook the biggest vehicle running cost – fuel – and the vast savings that EVs achieve by plugging into the wall rather than filling up at a petrol station.

Ford says, with its range of 160km, it will cost between $2 and $3 to fully recharge the Focus Electric, at an average cost of $0.10 per kWh. Over the 240,000km life of the vehicle, that works out to be just $3750 in electricity.

Ford says the standard petrol Focus will get around 40mpg (5.88 litres/100km) on the combined cycle. If we say unleaded fuel costs an average of $1.50 per litre over the life of the vehicle, that works out to be $21,168 in fuel. That's almost equal to the purchase price of the vehicle.

Ford is yet to announce the pricing of the Focus Electric, but (based on the above calculations) if it is less than $17,400 more expensive than the petrol Focus, it could be a good value proposition for those who plan to keep it for its entire life.

Without a conventional piston engine or an automatic or manual transmission, Ford’s director of electrification programs and engineering, Sherif Marakby, said the Focus Electric eliminates more than two dozen mechanical components that would normally require attention during the life of the vehicle.

“When you have moving parts, such as the gears in a transmission or the pistons in an engine, you have maintenance,” Mr Marakby said.

“With an electric drive, there are very few moving parts. And in the Focus Electric, the only moving parts are the motor and the wheels.”

He said the Focus Electric would be the most maintenance free and easiest to own vehicle Ford Motor Co has ever produced.

“About all the driver will have to do is charge up the battery pack and go.”

Azure Dynamics landed its single-largest order this week with Purolator ordering 600 hybrid vans to be delivered over the next three years.

With its latest order, Purolator will operate the world’s largest fleet of Azure’s Balance hybrid electric vehicles, with 955 units.

For the order Azure is integrating its hybrid electric vehicle technology, which includes lithium ion batteries, is into Ford’s E450 chassis with a Ford 5.4L gasoline engine.

Ford has been Azure’s key partner for about a decade.

The first 200 units in the order will be built and delivered to Purolator primarily in the third and fourth quarters of 2011 to facilities across Canada.

Azure says its Balance hybrid electric can improve fuel economy by up to 40%, while reducing carbon emissions by up to 30% in city conditions.

“As a result of our long and mutually beneficial relationship with Purolator, our Balance hybrid electric volume has consistently increased allowing us to reduce internal costs, refine our processes and implement product upgrades,” said Scott Harrison, Azure’s CEO, in a release.

He added that, as Azure’s first multi-year order, Purolator’s order helps the company build a predictable product backlog.

The folks over at engadget posted some close up pictures of a cut-away display version of the electric motor destined for use in the Ford Focus EV launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.

We forwarded the story to twitter and would have left it at that but the information published about the transmission is so wrong we need to run a correction.

Amazingly, after all the gushing about the Focus EV at the launch, Ford haven't published any tech specs on the electric motor. The specs given for the Focus EV mule that appeared on the Leno Show back in September 2009 were for a 105 kw Permanent Magnet motor with 320 Nm.

The motor and transmission pairing in the Ford Focus EV is very different to that used in the Ford Transit Connect electric van built by Azure dynamics. Again the press releases about the Transit avoid mentioning a power figure, but we do know the electric van uses a Siemens 3 phase AC motor that outputs up to 235 Nm peak through a Borg-Warner 31-03, single-speed reduction gearbox with a fixed ratio of 8.28:1.

Based on the pictures taken by engadget of the trade show display motor, the Focus EV has a very different layout that harks back to the early 90s when Ford sold Ranger EVs in California.

The arrangement used in the Focus is called a coaxial motor, where the differential is in line with the electric motor shaft. The Motor shaft is hollow and allows the longer of the two drive shafts to passed the center of the motor giving a very compact under hood layout.

The Ford Focus EV will run a fixed single gear ratio like all current EVs so please disregard any comments made in the engadget post about 2 speed transmissions in the Tesla Roadster and CVTs in the Focus EV.




Source: engadget, engadget video

With the new model, the automaker is targeting class-leading fuel economy and low emissions, without forgetting performance. The Vertrek is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecoboost four-pot with start and stop technology.Outside the U.S., the new global compact SUV will also receive Duratorq diesel engines, such as the recently updated 2.0-liter motor, which delivers better fuel economy and

In 10 years, one-quarter of Ford Motor Co.'s global sales could be electrified vehicles and hybrids, Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said today at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Kuzak, CEO Alan Mulally, and other Ford executives discussed the automaker's electrification goals and plans this afternoon at the show.

By 2015, Ford plans for hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for 2 to 5 percent of its global sales volume, Kuzak said. By 2020, that will rise to 10 to 25 percent, he said. Hybrids are projected to make up most of those sales.

In 2010, hybrid-electric vehicles made up about 1 percent of Ford's global unit sales.

Ford has electrified vehicles in the works on compact and mid-sized platforms. More electrified vehicles could be built on other platforms, Kuzak said during an earlier media briefing. Ford aims to offer consumers more vehicle choices as the automaker complies with lower carbon dioxide emission requirements, Kuzak said.

Affordable volume

“The real step that needs to be taken on electrification is to make electrified vehicles affordable. One way to make them affordable is to drive volume. That's really the whole basis of our strategy,” Kuzak said. “Our next generation of hybrids will be at an even lower cost.”

Kuzak said Ford set such a wide range -- 10 to 25 percent -- for its 2020 electrified vehicles target because those vehicles still require government subsidies, and the level of future subsidies is unclear. Ford also will watch the impact in China of that country's new energy vehicle policy.

In the short term, Ford will offer five electrified vehicles in the United States by 2012. One of those will be the Focus Electric, which Mulally showed today.

All of Ford's hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due by 2012 will be on compact or mid-sized platforms, Kuzak said. He said a quarter of vehicles sold worldwide are those sizes.

Kuzak said Ford's electrified vehicle business model assumes U.S. gasoline prices of $3.50 to $4 per gallon.

Ed Begley, Jr, actor and activist talks about Ford electric vehicles in this video prepared for the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

• Electric driving range, perfect for emissions-free and silent city driving
• Potential consumer savings on energy and fuel costs thanks to improved fuel efficiency over a standard hybrid
• Reduced dependency on petroleum and increased energy independence
• Reduced environmental impact through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
• Increased use of electricity from renewable energy sources (e.g. wind and solar), where available, for vehicle recharging

Although not planned for introduction in the United States or Canada, the all-new Ford Ranger will eventually be marketed in 180 countries, making it one of Ford's farthest reaching products. This reflects the importance of compact pickup trucks to consumers in many parts of the world and the significance of the Ranger in Ford's global product portfolio.The new side curtain air bags have not yet

Ford Motor Company unveiled today its all-new Focus Electric – the company’s first-ever all-electric passenger car. The zero-CO2-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford’s popular small car is the flagship of the company’s growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming to North America and Europe by 2013.

“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,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs.”

The Focus Electric will launch in late 2011 and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. It will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles.

A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station –half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf.

Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford’s global C-car platform shared by the gasoline and diesel-powered Focus models, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Both Focus gasoline and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

For European markets, a decision on where the Focus Electric will be built is currently being finalized.

Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles included in Ford’s electrification strategy. Initial deliveries of Transit Connect Electric began in North America at the end of last year and the vehicle will be launched in Europe later in 2011.


A real car

Not only is Focus Electric designed to provide outstanding energy efficiency and reliable operation, it also delivers real driving enjoyment. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph (136 kph).

Much of Focus Electric’s steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it’s based, making Focus Electric a dynamic driver’s car. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

“More than any other electric vehicle on the market, Focus Electric loses none of the dynamics and quality of driving a traditional car,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s electrification programs and engineering. “It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart, while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience.”

Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC® telephone connectivity and MyKey® for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle.

Other standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony® Audio with nine speakers, Sirius® Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD Radio™ and voice-activated Navigation System.

Plug and play

Future owners of the Focus Electric will likely recharge the car’s advanced, Ford-engineered lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis, using the recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that will be sold separately or the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle.

When plugged in, the Focus Electric onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled/heated battery pack.

“We’re very excited about the potential of Focus Electric in the marketplace. With so many of us accustomed to recharging mobile electronics on a daily basis, we’re confident our customers will take to the vehicle recharging process just as easily, because that’s exactly what it is – easy,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “Not only have we made the practice of plugging in simple and straightforward, we’re working with leading technology companies and the utility industry to make the EV experience empowering and engaging.”



An empowering experience

Focus Electric owners will be provided with a suite of driver information systems – on-board and off-board – designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to optimize their driving range. This carefully engineered set of tools is designed to give Focus Electric the edge over competitive products, providing new electric vehicle owners the information they need to enjoy all the freedom gas-free driving has to offer.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology. Thoughtfully developed for electric vehicle owners, it offers innovative presentation of vehicle information, such as battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding range budget and expected range margin. The system’s MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data including the electrical demands of vehicle accessories such as air conditioning, which can impact driving range.

Just as the growing leafy vine of first-generation SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide represents fuel efficiency in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the cluster display in Focus Electric uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one’s charge point destination – the more butterflies there are, the greater the range.

Ford designers were inspired by the phenomenon known as “the butterfly effect,” in which a small change, like choosing to drive an electric vehicle, can have an enormous impact. To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric.



The cluster is also integrated with the MyFord Touch map-based Navigation System using the vehicle’s center stack 8-inch touch screen. After adding their driving destinations, including their next charge point, into the vehicle’s Navigation System, the vehicle will coach drivers on how to achieve the desired range – or if travel plans need to be adjusted. The on-board Navigation System provides an EcoRoute option based on characteristics of efficient EV driving.

Remote control

Off-board, Focus Electric owners in North America will be able to maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile app.

MyFord Mobile is an app that enables access via a smartphone or web-based interface to:

• Receive instant vehicle status information
• Perform key functions remotely
• Monitor the car’s state of charge and current range
• Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
• Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in – called preconditioning. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged – and fully cooled to a particular temperature – by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to Focus Electric using SYNC’s Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI). Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Value charging

The new Focus Electric offers a unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

“Value charging allows our customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or other reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process,” said Ed Pleet, manager, Ford Connected Services Organization. “This is a ‘set it and forget it’ approach for the customer to reduce energy cost.”

The tool is designed to help customers avoid unnecessary expense by providing an optimized charge. In the future, these smart charging habits will help utility companies understand and better manage the demands placed upon the electric grid because of electrified vehicles.

Getting charged up

Focus Electric owners are likely to handle one of the vehicle’s charge cord connectors two or more times each day. That’s why Ford worked with supplier Yazaki to provide an industry-standard five-point plug that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed.

The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber that allows for a comfortable, non-slip grip. The plug head is shielded with a protective glossy white plastic.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicle’s charge port, which is conveniently located between the driver’s door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. In the unlikely event of a fault, the entire ring will flash. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Batteries included

Focus Electric will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery system engineered by Ford in cooperation with supplier LG Chem. The battery system utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and fuel-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of pure electric vehicles. Focus Electric uses an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature in its larger, more complex lithium-ion battery system.

The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On hot days, chilled liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system’s temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

“Focus Electric is the culmination of years of research and development,” said Kuzak. “More importantly, it’s the start of an exciting new era for Ford and our customers.”