Frankfurt 2009: Ford Focus BEV

Ford has revealed the first of a fleet of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototypes based on the Ford Focus at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Focus BEV prototype is based on the current European Ford Focus and will use a new all-electric powertrain, provided by the strategic supplier Magna. This technology is based on that being developed for Ford's new-generation C-sized global vehicle architecture and which will be launched in North America in 2011.

To evaluate whether this technology is suitable for European road and driving conditions, a fleet of fifteen European Focus BEV prototypes is being built. These cars will deliver local zero emission mobility without constraining the user needs and providing room for five passengers, a practical boot and other Ford Focus attributes.

Under the skin of the Ford Focus prototypes is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack with the capacity of 23kWh and a chassis-mounted 100-kilowatt permanent-magnet electric traction motor. The BEV will have a range of up to120 km (75 miles) and a top speed of up to 136  km/h (85 mph). Charging the batteries will take between 6-8 hours using a common 230 volt grid.

The prototype incorporates key components from Ford’s proven North American hybrid technology, including the electric climate control system. The high-voltage air-conditioning compressor is a key feature of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, recently introduced in the North American market.

Ford has an aggressive plan to put at least four electrified vehicles on the road in North America by 2012, including the Focus BEV in 2011.