The Beach Blog

More Ford EcoBoost Vehicles in 2012

Now that record sales of 127,683 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles in 2011 are on the books, Ford aims to more than triple production capacity of vehicles using this fuel-efficient technology in 2012.

Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year with the fuel-saving 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the Escape and Fusion nameplates, and five new electrified vehicles.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”

The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.

The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.

Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.

By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.

Source: Ford

The All-New Ford Fusion

Ford’s all-new Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy.

The all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford developed to satisfy customers everywhere looking for leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what ‘One Ford’ stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground- breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

Technologies
• Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position.

• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected.

• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals.

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

Design:
• Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans

• Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability.

• Inside: The new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

• More Space: Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment.

Stop by Beach Ford to learn more, or visit fordfusionstory.com.

Source: Ford

Ford’s Power of Choice Tour

We all know that all-electric vehicles, like the Ford Connect, can help lead to cleaner cities. But Ford says going green can also save you money.

Last month, the Ford’s Power of Choice Tour stopped by Beach Ford, and WVEC was there to catch it.

Ford Focus Electric Expected to Deliver 100 MPGe

The all-new, gasoline-free Ford Focus Electric is Ford’s first-ever all-electric passenger car – a zero-CO2-emissions version of Ford’s popular small car expected to be the first of its kind to achieve the equivalent of a 100 miles per gallon fuel efficiency rating with seating for five.

Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to feature faster charging technology, allowing it to fully recharge in three to four hours – half the time of Nissan Leaf. This technology can help double the car’s range during a busy day of driving and recharging multiple times.

“Focus Electric’s innovative faster charging technology can help customers save money and get much more out of the car in a busy day of running around town and recharging between stops,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering. “We also are pleased the Focus Electric will break the 100 MPGe mark – a great symbol of how Ford has transformed its fleet with many vehicles delivering leading fuel economy and efficiency.”

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind electrified vehicle software and hardware technology, the company offers proven engineering and design with Focus Electric. Ford holds approximately 500 patents, with several hundred patent-pending applications on technologies used in the new Focus Electric and its other electrified vehicles.

Focus Electric reflects Ford’s commitment to deliver fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing performance, capability or driving fun. Though range and miles per gallon equivalent figures are yet to be finalized, Focus Electric is expected to be competitive with other comparable all-electric vehicles.

“Focus Electric was designed to deliver the same dynamics and quality of a conventional Ford Focus,” said Eric Kuehn, Focus Electric chief nameplate engineer. “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.”

Source: Ford

Seat Fabric in All-New Ford Focus Electric Made of Plastic Bottles

The all-new Ford Focus Electric features seat fabric made of recycled material that includes the equivalent of more than 20 plastic bottles per car.

The fiber – called REPREVE® – is made from a hybrid blend of recycled materials and manufactured by Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), a global leader in sustainable textile solutions.

Unifi officials say 22 plastic, 16-ounce water bottles are used in the seat fabric of a single Focus Electric. The figure is based on the amount of REPREVE branded fiber used in the production of fabric in each vehicle.

Ford is the first automaker to use REPREVE branded fiber in its seat fabric.

“What better vehicle than the Focus Electric to put seat fabric made of recycled materials?” said Carol Kordich, lead designer of Sustainable Materials for Ford. “Not only does the use of this fabric in Focus Electric help reduce waste, it also helps to offset the need to produce new raw material from crude oil – a process that consumes precious energy and natural resources.”

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is green in other ways, too. Focus Electric runs on battery power alone, requiring no gasoline and producing zero carbon dioxide emissions.

“We are excited to work with Ford for the introduction of REPREVE into the automotive industry,” said Roger Berrier, president and COO of the Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi. “As REPREVE continues to expand into new applications and markets, consumers are becoming more aware of companies like Ford and Unifi working together to make a positive impact on the environment.”

In 2009 Ford mandated that fabric suppliers use a minimum of 25 percent recycled content for all 2009 and beyond model year vehicles. Since then, 37 different fabrics meeting the requirements have been developed and incorporated into Ford vehicles.

Stop by Beach Ford in Virginia Beach or Suffolk to try out these recycled fabrics for yourself. Oh yeah…and test drive a car while you’re at it!

Source: Ford

MyFord Mobile App Honored with CES Best of Innovation Award

The several industry-first features of the MyFord Mobile app make driving a Ford Focus Electric hassle-free. And now, the remote vehicle monitoring and management features of the MyFord Mobile App will be honored with the 2012 International CES Innovation Design and Engineering Award.

“MyFord Mobile is designed to help Focus Electric drivers maximize their gasoline-free driving in a worry-free, low-effort way,” said Bill Frykman, Product & Business Development, Ford Connected Services. “Drivers can take advantage of information stored off-board to automatically charge their cars at the lowest possible cost and reduce range anxiety with plug-to-plug route planning.”

The MyFord Mobile app harnesses the power of cloud computing through a unique partnership with Microsoft, to keep track of when local utilities switch to lower off-peak charging rates, helping to minimize the cost of ownership of the battery-powered Focus Electric.

Drivers just need to enable a single setting in the app and then plug in their cars without ever worrying about what time the rates change in their area. The network monitors utility rate schedules and automatically transmits a signal to the vehicle through embedded cellular connectivity to start charging at the lowest cost. “With its quick 3 to 4 hour charge time using a 240-volt home charging station installed by Best Buy, the Focus Electric will be ready to go when the owner heads out in the morning,” said Frykman.

The capabilities of the network also enable drivers to plan customized trips using navigation data from Mapquest. Drivers can use the app to find charging stations, estimate whether they can reach a station with the currently available charge, and create multi-stop, plug-to-plug journeys for their daily driving needs.

The vehicle connectivity module and app also provide the driver with alerts when charging is complete or if charging is interrupted due to being unplugged or a power outage. The vehicle interior can be preheated or cooled while still plugged in using power from the grid to maximize driving range.

“We want to give Focus Electric drivers the opportunity to maximize the EV ownership experience,” said Frykman. “We’re honored CES has recognized our efforts to use the latest connectivity and cloud technology to augment the capabilities of the car to promote greener driving.”

The MyFord Mobile app will be available for use on most major smartphone platforms including Android, BlackBerry and iPhone. The same capabilities can also be accessed through a mobile web app for other platforms and a secure Ford website from any Internet-connected computer.

Source: Ford

Focus Electric Home Charging Stations Receives UL Certification

Leviton, a leading global manufacturer of electrical devices, and Ford Motor Company announced earlier this week that the new Ford Electric Vehicle (EV) Home Charging Station has achieved UL certification for UL 2231, UL 2251 and UL 2594. The new Level 2 EV charging device, designed exclusively for Ford, is also compatible with all additional industry safety standards and recommended practices, including SAE J1772™ and NEC 625.

“We are excited to partner with Ford to give Focus Electric owners an industry leading, easy-to-use vehicle charger that provides the safety features for which Leviton products are known,” said Mike Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton’s Commercial and Industrial Division. “Ford and Leviton have both built reputations based on safety and quality, which is why achieving UL certification for this home device is so important, as it offers customers a solution they can’t find elsewhere.”

The Ford Electric Vehicle Home Charging Station provides up to 32 amps at 240 volts AC (7.7 kW output) – fully charging a Ford Focus Electric’s battery in a little over three hours, more than four times faster than the standard portable charger.

Offering an industry leading 10-year limited warranty, Leviton and Ford designed the home device with the customer’s safety in mind. A ground monitor circuit and built-in communication verifies proper connection before charging can commence. With a weatherproof NEMA Type 4 enclosure, the device is safe for both indoor and outdoor use – “non-permanent” plug-in installation is ideal for indoor applications, while a “hard-wired” conversion kit is available for outdoor locations.

“Charging is one of the most important components of owning an electric vehicle, so it was crucial to develop a charging station that made ownership easier and more affordable for Focus Electric owners,” said Mike Tinskey, Assoc. Director for Ford’s Global Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. “Through our partnership with Leviton, we utilized our collective electrical expertise to specifically design the EV Home Charging Station to meet stringent automotive quality, product development and testing requirements that will allow Focus Electric owners to charge with ease.”

Source: Ford

Consumers Drive Ford Focus Electric Simulator

Potential customers are getting a chance to help develop the final in-dash display for the Ford Focus Electric through the use of a specially designed driving simulator.

The feedback is helping Ford engineers make sure the Focus Electric’s unique version of the MyFord Touch is easy to use and meets the needs of potential owners. The new Ford Focus Electric uses the high-tech driver interface to help drivers optimize range of fuel-free driving.

When stepping into the simulator, a user sees exactly the same information that would appear in the real Ford Focus Electric, including two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking the speedometer in the center. These screens provide details on battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding budget and expected range surplus.

“These screens are an integral part of Focus Electric and we thought the best way to make sure they would do their job is to have people come in and try them out for themselves,” said Paul Aldighieri, HMI engineer. “The only true way to get a feel for what the screens are telling the driver is by actually getting behind the wheel.”

Many drivers have participated in the simulator exercise since last year. Studies evaluated how well participants comprehended the gauge concepts and validated the gauge design. Feedback showed the core behaviors of the system were well understood, and the engineering team received feedback on how to improve the interface. The team incorporated the feedback and received high acceptance levels for the new graphics.

Additionally, engineers received feedback on alternatives for the terminology used to represent what eventually became the charge point, budget and surplus screens.

Graphically representing surplus mileage beyond charge point destination was identified by this group as a benefit. One guest indicated he had recently gone to the movies with some friends in his electric car. After the movies, one of his friends asked if they could go out for ice cream; this particular guest had to discourage that as he had not accounted for it in planning the evening’s travels. After seeing Ford’s surplus gauge, he thought this would have given him better data to consider adding on a spontaneous stop to get ice cream.

Making efficiency fun
MyFord Touch on the all-new Focus Electric offers drivers unique features that provide easy-to-understand information about range, destinations and charge points.

For those who want more in-depth information, the cluster’s MyView feature offers greater personalization choices. Using five-way buttons on the steering wheel, Focus Electric owners can configure their own custom information screen in the left display.

Source: Ford

Ford and SunPower Team Up: Rooftop Solar System Offsets Focus Electric’s Energy Use

Ford and SunPower Corp. have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to “Drive Green for Life.” The system produces enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle.

“Under the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “It’s an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives.”

“SunPower’s innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles.”

The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower® E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and take up less space on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month.

Source: Ford

The Durability of Batteries in Ford Hybrids and Electrics

Many consumers are concerned about the battery and system longevity of hybrid and electric vehicles. But Ford has some interesting data that shows you may be twice as likely to win the lottery than owners of Ford hybrid vehicles are to have a durability issue with their vehicle.

In this video, Ford engineers tear down a New York City hybrid taxi and analyze the battery system.

Source: The Ford Story

How the Focus Electric Stays Cool in the Heat

The engineers at Ford have developed a system that cools the lithium-ion battery in the all-new Focus Electric and keeps it working at its prime, even in the hottest of conditions.

Extreme temperatures can affect an electric vehicle’s battery performance and reduce its range. That’s why Ford will use an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

“If the battery became too hot, we would have to limit the use of energy to protect it. The liquid cooled system allows us to reduce those constraints and get the most out of the battery,” said Dave Fabricatore, Thermal Program Management team engineer. “We’re helping owners by making sure their battery is always ready to go regardless of the weather.”

How it works

The vehicle uses an integrated cooling system to keep the different systems in the vehicle at their optimal operating temperatures. The air conditioning system is actually used to refrigerate the coolant going to the battery using a “chiller,” so as the coolant passes through the chiller, it’s brought down to the temperature that the battery requires. Temperature sensors placed all over the vehicle let the cooling system know when it needs to kick into action.

The cooling system can even work when the car is charging, so it can help reduce the charge time in hot climates because the battery will be kept at a desirable temperature.

“Batteries can heat up when they’re charging or being used, and it’s made worse by ambient temperatures,” said Fabricatore. “Controlling the temperature lets us deliver the best range and power for the customer, while improving the longevity of the battery.”

Source: Ford

Ford Prepares for Electric Vehicles

While Ford is gearing up to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and C-MAX Energy plug-in hybrid in 2012, cities around the country are preparing for the arrival of new electric vehicles. Some of the key actions Ford has identified in working with cities and utility partners include:

• A utility rate structure that encourages nighttime EV charging to minimize demand on the existing electric grid
• A streamlined permitting and inspection process to support customer and commercial EV infrastructure installation
• Integrated advisory committees that include participation from electric utilities, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, municipalities, EV customers and local coalitions
• An urban planning approach to optimize public/commercial EV charge locations
• Infrastructure incentives to offset a portion of customer costs for hardware/installation

“As more and more electric vehicles come to market, it’s incredibly important that cities develop action plans including infrastructure development and permitting solutions to ensure these vehicles are a viable solution for citizens,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford’s manager of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “Ford continues outreach with cities across the country to spread best practices and work with multiple partners including local utilities, auto manufacturers, technology companies and others to support a successful integration of electric vehicles.”

“Our electric grid has plenty of capacity to support electric transportation. The key for local utilities is to offer incentives so EV customers are encouraged to charge during the nighttime hours when plenty of capacity is available,” said Tinskey. “Additionally, at a local level, we are encouraged many cities are taking an urban planning approach to public charge station locations – which will result in locations that are used more often and an efficient use of investment dollars. The best cities are learning from others and taking a best practices approach.”

Source: Ford

The Ford Focus Electric Cuts Down on Maintenance

When it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance, the Ford Focus Electric will be the easiest car to own that Ford Motor Company has ever built. Because the Focus Electric does not have a conventional piston engine or an automatic or manual transmission, its drivers will wave goodbye to such things as oil changes and tuneups – a scenario most other motorists can only dream of.

“About all the driver will have to do is charge up the battery pack and go,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford’s director of electrification programs and engineering.
Focus Electric eliminates more than two dozen mechanical components that would normally require attention during the life of the vehicle. The dramatic reduction in moving mechanical parts is the key reason why consumers won’t have much to do to maintain the Focus Electric.

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

Here are the top 25 items that usually require inspection, maintenance or replacement during the 10-year, 150,000-mile life of a conventional car that the driver of a Ford Focus Electric will never have to worry about:

Air filter
Alternator
Battery
Clutch
Fuel filter
Fuel injectors/fuel pump
Motor mounts
Motor oil
Muffler
Oil filter
O2 sensors
Power steering fluid
Radiator
Radiator hose, lower
Radiator hose, upper
Serpentine belt
Spark plugs
Spark plug wires
Starter
Thermostat
Timing belt
Transmission adjustment (automatics)
Transmission filter (automatics)
Transmission fluid or oil
Water pump

Source: Ford

Charge Your Ford Electric Vehicle at Home

The Ford Focus Electric offers a convenient home charging station. Jointly developed with Leviton, a leading North American producer of electrical devices, the unit offers a wide variety of benefits for Focus Electric customers.

The nonpermanent-style design makes removal and replacement as simple as unplug and plug back in should the owner move.

“We’re delivering an industry-leading charge station that offers customers not only the best value, but also tremendous flexibility,” said Mike Tinskey, manager of vehicle electrification and infrastructure, Ford Motor Company. “It’s just one part of how Ford is making Focus Electric a simpler driving solution for customers.”

Manufactured in the United States, 60 percent of the unit’s exterior housing is made out of post consumer recycled material. The unit also is compatible with all upcoming Ford plug-in vehicles.

Complete with attractive design aesthetics, the unit also has a larger power design than the competition, allowing for faster charge times as vehicles accommodate.

“We are pleased to partner with Ford, a world class innovator, as we embark on the electric vehicle revolution. Leviton has a long history of providing commercial and residential electrical power delivery solutions which are easy to use and backed by industry leading service and support. Our Evr-Green electric vehicle charging products continue that tradition and add another solution to our growing portfolio of green products and services. These innovative solutions will help promote the adoption and expansion of electric vehicles,” said Mike Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton’s Commercial and Industrial business unit.

Ford is working with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to sell the charging station and offer complete consultation and installation services through its Geek Squad subsidiary and third-party licensed electrical contractors. Based on current plans, the Focus Electric home charging station with standard installation is expected to retail for approximately $1,499, as much as 30 percent less than competitors’ systems. The unit also will have a limited 10-year hardware warranty.

To learn more about Ford’s recent developments and the company’s current offerings for environmentally friendlier vehicles, visit Beach Ford in Virginia Beach or Beach Ford Lincoln in Suffolk.

Source: Ford

Ford Creates New Generation of Fuel-Efficient Small Cars

Ford is producing 10 new-generation, fuel-efficient smaller cars, offering consumers its greatest variety of small vehicle choices, fuel or no fuel.

Delivering on its promise to create a new generation of global small cars, Ford showcased 10 new C-segment vehicles together on one stage at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Led by the all-new Ford Focus, the vehicle lineup demonstrates how Ford is transforming its product range for a high-tech, fuel-efficient future.

The impressive new model array sees the world debut of Focus Electric, the first fuel-free, zero-emissions passenger car from Ford Motor Company; the debut of two all-new, high-mileage family-friendly C-MAX vehicles including Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV); and the global reveal of a vision for a future small sport utility vehicle – Ford Vertrek concept.

“It’s about giving consumers more options for fuel-efficient vehicles of this size and footprint and providing them the power of choice for electrified vehicles, as well,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Today, a world-class, all-new Focus family joining the new Fiesta lineup is delivering more choice. Now, we’re bringing even more to customers with the versatility of the new C-MAX and three different alternatives for customers who want to save fuel by going electric, offering real choice and more products people really want.”
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Ford Focus Electric: The Company’s First-Ever All-Electric Passenger Car

Ford Motor Company recently unveiled 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 cater to all the typical American driving habits. It will offer more miles-per-gallon than the Chevrolet Volt and will be 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 made for electric vehicle and a new value charging feature 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.

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.

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.

Source: Ford

New Ford Website Helps Consumers Understand Electrified Vehicles

As electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work. To help provide jargon-free answers to electric vehicle questions, Ford has launched a new web site, http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/. The site offers the basic information consumers need to understand electrified vehicle and technology choices.

The site is part of Ford’s efforts to educate consumers about the range of electrified vehicles and help potential buyers determine which electrified option might best suit their specific driving habits and needs. Consumers who visit the site will be able to review videos, text and cutaway diagrams that illustrate the differences between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure battery electric vehicles like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Focus Electric and planned Ford plug-in vehicles.

The site does not offer opinions on which vehicle technology is better. Rather, it provides clear explanations about how gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles work to help consumers decide which vehicle could be the best option for them.

Electrification is one aspect of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy that includes a range of fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel technologies designed to offer consumers a portfolio of vehicle choices.

“We know consumers are excited about the variety of electrified vehicles coming to market over the next two years, but we have heard many of them say they don’t truly understand the differences between these options,” said Nancy Gioia, director of global electrification for Ford. “Educating consumers on electrified vehicle options will be crucial to satisfying their needs as they decide whether to buy a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure battery electric car.”

The site explains the differences in each type of vehicle, and details the technology that makes them possible, including battery chemistry, charge ports and regenerative braking.

“We want our customers to be informed and educated,” said Gioia. “Most of our customers are used to traditional gasoline engines powering their cars, so this technology is new to them. This site gives them the tools to learn about our electrified vehicles with resources they are most comfortable with – text, graphical fact sheets, videos or a combination of the materials.”

The web site also provides a list of Ford vehicles available with hybrid technology today, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which set the standard for fuel economy in midsize sedans with 41 mpg city.

Over the next two years, Ford will deliver at least five new electrified vehicles. The Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, the Ford Focus Electric will be introduced in late 2011, followed by two next-generation lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012.

Electrified vehicles are one part of Ford’s broader strategy to offer a wide range of environmentally friendly, advanced technology solutions to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions affordably for customers around the world.

Stop by Beach Ford in Virginia Beach or Beach Ford Lincoln in Suffolk to learn more about our electrified vehicles.

Source: Ford