Overheating not a problem for new Focus Electric

Unlike most electric vehicles which tend to suffer from reduced range and performance during hot weather, the all-new Ford Focus Electric will function at optimum no matter how warm it gets.  Ford engineers have developed an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system which regulates the temperature of the Focus’ lithium-ion battery packs.

The system works by refrigerating the coolant flowing to the battery, bringing it down to the temperature required by the battery after it passes through a ‘chiller’. It is alerted to become active by temperature sensors placed throughout the car and even works while the car is charging to reduce charge time in hot climates.    

“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.”

The new Focus Electric is part of Ford’s product sustainability strategy which involves launching five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. It will launch later this year in 19 pilot markets which include Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Richmond, Va.