Ford reveals first markets for the Focus Electric

Ford Motor Company has announced the first markets in the United States of America where the Focus Electric, Ford’s first all-electric, zero CO2-emissions passenger car, will be sold.

The markets selected were Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

“There is a great deal of excitement for the Focus Electric across America and Ford wants to build on this enthusiasm by making our first all electric passenger vehicle available in as many pilot markets as possible,” said Mark Fields, President of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. “This is the first step in rolling out the Focus Electric. As the country continues to build up its electric vehicle infrastructure and demand for the Focus Electric grows, Ford will continue to evaluate additional markets and consider making this vehicle available in more cities across the country.”

To choose the initial markets for the Focs Electric Ford used several different criteria including existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification.

In collaboration with dealers Ford will develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles and will share information on charging needs and requirements to guarantee that the electrical grid can support customers’ needs.

Set to reach the markets in ate 2011, the Focus Electric will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, alongside the gasoline version. While using an existing vehicle platform and assembly line, Ford will be able to vary production based on demand for the Focus Electric.

The electrification has an important role on Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy. The brand’s strategy includes the launch of five new electrified vehicles in Europe and North America. Alongside the Focus Electric, Ford will be launching the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, two next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids and a plug-in hybrid.