The zero-emission Focus Electric is spearheading Ford’s line-up of electric vehicles, and will be joined in Europe by the C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle next year, followed by the Mondeo Hybrid soon after.

Developed as a ‘ One Ford’  global vehicle, the Focus Electric features an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain that produces 143hp and achieves a top speed of 136km/h.

Focus Electric has been manufactured in North America since December 2011 and the Saarlouis-built Focus Electric will reach European customers from August this year.

‘Focus Electric marks the dawn of an exciting new age of full-electric Ford passenger vehicles in Europe, and demonstrates the success of the One Ford strategy in making this sophisticated vehicle available to our European customers,’  said Barb Samardzich, vice president, product development, Ford of Europe.

‘It’s a car that addresses the mobility demands and environmental concerns of today’s car buyers in the most direct way possible – combining performance and advanced technology with a zero-emission powertrain.’

Each Focus Electric is equipped with a 6.6kW fully integrated onboard charger that can deliver around 100km driving range with 2-3 hours charging, and around 150km driving range with 3-4 hours charging from a 32A power supply.

Drivers can also optimise range through a new user interface called SmartGauge, which calculates and displays range based on remaining energy, the driver’s own use of the vehicle and the use of accessories such as climate control and audio systems.

In addition, regenerative braking captures up to 95% of kinetic energy normally lost during the braking process, while the Brake Coach feature encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery.