The e-NV200 is Nissan’s second mass-market, all-electric model available globally following the Nissan LEAF, which has now sold more than 115,000 units worldwide. Compared to commercial vehicles that use internal combustion engines, the e-NV200 reduces operating costs and contributes to improving a company’s environmental image thanks to the vehicle’s zero exhaust emissions as well as a reduction in noise pollution. Courtesy of Nissan
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s first all-electric, zero-emissions commercial vehicle, the e-NV200, will go on sale in October 2014 at Nissan dealers throughout Japan.
Based on the Nissan NV200, a multi-purpose commercial van, the e-NV200 combines the interior roominess and versatility of the NV200 with the acceleration performance and quietness of an electric vehicle (EV). With its convenient onboard power outlets, the e-NV200 can supply electrical power remotely, giving it added utility in the field as a mobile power source.
The new e-NV200 also has 5 and 7-seat Wagon versions, which can be used as passenger vehicles. Highlights of the e-NV200 include:
Zero-emissions
The e-NV200 is Nissan’s second mass-market, all-electric model available globally following the Nissan LEAF, which has now sold more than 115,000 units worldwide. Compared to commercial vehicles that use internal combustion engines, the e-NV200 reduces operating costs and contributes to improving a company’s environmental image thanks to the vehicle’s zero exhaust emissions as well as a reduction in noise pollution. Additionally, the EV’s smooth, strong acceleration performance and quietness help reduce driver fatigue.
With the inclusion of a hydraulic brake system, the vehicle’s regenerative braking can work more effectively, enabling a driving range of 185 to 190 km on a full charge (on JC08 mode).
Power storage battery
Two power outlets (100V) that can draw a total of a maximum of 1,500W of power from the battery are installed in the front-seat side and the cargo area. They provide a convenient and safe electrical power source that comes in handy for offsite jobs or events, or in the case of an emergency.
The driver can manually set the remaining battery level. By having the power supply stop automatically at a predetermined level, the driver ensures that the vehicle has enough energy stored within the main battery pack for the ride home.
Stress-free
The new e-NV200 has a low center of gravity thanks to the vehicle’s main battery pack being placed under the floor. This helps to reduce vehicle instability when cornering and improves steering response. A fine-tuned, highly rigid suspension system provides a comfortable ride, which, in turn, decreases driver fatigue, especially during long extended drives and/or when transporting valuable cargo.
The e-NV200′s cargo area is equivalent to that of the NV200, a result of compact batteries positioned under the vehicle floor. Power consumption is reduced on cold days via a heated steering wheel and Quick Comfort Seat Heater for the front seats, obviating the need to heat the whole cabin, and both come as standard equipment on the e-NV200.
The e-NV200 Japan market sales target is 500 units per month (yearly target for 2014; total 1000 units). Prices range from 3,880,440 yen to 4,786,560 yen, including consumption tax.
All e-NV200 models qualify for the Japanese government’s eco-car subsidies and are exempt from the automobile weight tax and automobile acquisition tax. In addition, customers can receive up to 850,000 yen in incentive grants in accordance with the Japanese government’s incentive scheme for fiscal year 2014 to promote the purchase of clean energy vehicles.
Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) today (9-17-13) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to carry out projects for the production of renewable solar power in the Delhi Metro premises. As per the MoU, both the organizations will collaborate for the development of Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Projects (ground mounted, rooftop and other possible modes) at identified DMRC Sites for the production of solar energy.
After signing of this MoU, a pilot project, of 500 kWp rooftop grid connected Solar PV Project will be installed at one of the identified rooftops of the Delhi Metro Stations. The two organizations will also explore the possibility of developing of another site (s) where Solar PV Plant can be set – up. In order to carry out these projects, DMRC and SECI will constitute a Joint Development Team (JDT) which will consist of senior officials from both the organizations.
Earlier, M/s GIZ, a federal enterprise of the Government of Germany, actively supported DMRC’s solar initiative under its COMSOLAR programme meant to facilitate International Co-operation for sustainable development.
The production of solar power through this MOU will help DMRC partially fulfill its energy requirements as well as reduce carbon footprints. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a not-for-profit company under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, with the objective of developing Solar Technologies and solar power plants in India.
Delhi Metro has already taken up a slew of measures oriented towards the conservation of environment and the use of renewable means of energy. In 2011, DMRC was certified by the United Nations (UN) as the first Metro Rail and Rail based system in the world to get carbon Credits for reducing Green House Gas Emissions as it has helped to reduce pollution levels in the city by 6.3 lakh tons every year thus helping in reducing global warming.
DMRC’s first CDM project on regenerative braking had also achieved many international firsts apart from earning valuable foreign exchange for the country.
NYC Regional Council Project to Create Jobs with Production of Highly Efficient, Low-Cost Batteries
Image courtesy of Urban Electric Power
Urban Electric Power (UEP), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the City University of New York (CUNY) announced today (8-6-13) the grand opening of a new energy storage research and manufacturing facility in West Harlem for advanced zinc anode rechargeable battery systems. The project is part of the Manhattanville Factory District redevelopment effort and is expected to create 64 new jobs.
Through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC), the New York City REDC awarded UEP more than $1.5 million in economic development resources, including $1 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the project. Empire State Development’s (ESD) Excelsior Jobs Program is providing $522,000 in performance-based tax credits. The Excelsior tax credits are based on UEP’s investment and its commitment to create 64 new full-time jobs by 2017 in manufacturing, sales/marketing, operations, software development, engineering, and research and development.
The $6.1 million, 5,000-square-foot facility will provide research and development capabilities as well as testing and assembly of low-cost, lead-free zinc anode rechargeable batteries and battery systems. UEP has an exclusive license to this battery technology, which was developed at the CUNY Energy Institute.
The new facility will enable UEP to rapidly commercialize its products, which can be used to increase gas mileage in automobiles, reduce electric grid strain during peak usage, integrate electricity from renewable energy sources into the grid, and provide emergency power during outages.
“Energy innovation plays a critical role in the state’s economic development. Urban Electric Power’s facility is another important step in advancing the state’s energy storage industry and building resilience into its energy system infrastructure,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Through the commitment of private sector partners, academia and government, along with Governor Cuomo’s support, today’s grand opening demonstrates that we are establishing a cleaner, more energy-efficient energy sector that is creating jobs.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Advancing the clean energy industry is critical to our economic and energy future. Today’s opening of Urban Electric Power’s facility will help establish Harlem’s place in the innovation economy. Governor Cuomo and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council recognize the importance of bringing jobs and economic drivers to urban centers, and under the governor’s leadership we have seen extensive progress in the building of clean energy facilities across the state. Today’s grand opening proves what can be accomplished through public-private partnerships when business, government and academia work together in collaboration to ensure a sustainable economic future for our communities, city and state.”
Matthew Goldstein, Chair, NYCREDC and Chancellor Emeritus of the City University of New York said, “UEP’s energy storage solutions hold the promise for substantial economic development and job creation for the region. Building upon New York’s burgeoning energy technology industry, this project can serve as an effective model of innovation and sustainability and will be instrumental to the future of the state’s rapidly growing, clean-energy economy.”
“Urban Electric Power is lucky to call New York home. We have received generous and essential support from all across the state, especially the Regional Economic Development Council, NYSERDA, and NYPA,” said Eric McFarland, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Electric Power. “Our new pilot testing and manufacturing facility will allow us to quickly ramp up production to meet initial customer orders, while we look to grow through additional strategic partners and licensees to accelerate the wider marketing and sales of our batteries.”
UEP’s battery technologies have been optimized for multiple markets. The company intends to replace automotive lead acid batteries used for starting, lighting and ignition in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. UEP is also developing batteries that can accommodate the regenerative braking and on-demand charging used in fuel-efficient micro-hybrid vehicles that can improve gas mileage by more than 10 percent and reduce air pollution in high-traffic areas.
In larger stationary applications, UEP batteries distribute electricity more efficiently, reducing costs for New York ratepayers. The batteries can be charged during off-peak hours when generation costs are low and used to supply energy during the day when costs are higher. UEP’s batteries can also be used to integrate electricity produced by renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, making it possible to use clean energy when and where it is needed.
As an electrode material, high energy density zinc is safe, reliable and 100 percent recyclable. In 2008, the CUNY Energy Institute at the City College of New York began researching ways to extend the lifetime of zinc anode batteries. The advancements developed at the CUNY Energy Institute resulted in zinc anode batteries that can recharge for ten times as many cycles as previous generations, making them more practical and cost-effective. UEP is rapidly moving their commercial prototypes to market with strategic partners.
“Over the past five years, New York State has supported the development of this transformational technology at every step, as our small experimental laboratory cells grew to 100 kilowatt-scale battery systems that will improve grid congestion and lower energy costs for all New Yorkers,” said Sanjoy Banerjee, Executive Director of the CUNY Energy Institute and Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at City College. “Moving forward, the CUNY Energy Institute will continue to drive growth through innovation and technology transfer. While Urban Electric Power may be the first company to spin out of the CUNY Energy Institute, it will not be the last.”
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) supported the scale-up and grid interconnection of Urban Electric Power’s battery technology at the CUNY Energy Institute of the City College of New York. NYPA managed the design, procurement and installation of the initial battery demonstration system, and obtained final approval from Consolidated Edison Company of New York for connection to the city’s electrical grid. “We are pleased to have played a role in the progression of this important energy management project and congratulate Urban Electric Power on the opening of its new energy storage research and manufacturing facility,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “There is a tremendous opportunity for efficient, low-cost batteries to lead to job growth throughout the state while supporting the Governor’s energy goals. Energy storage technologies like this one are a prime example of how we can move New York toward a sustainable energy future.”
The new facility is located in the three-acre Manhattanville Factory District currently under construction by The Janus Property Company in West Harlem. The Factory District’s abandoned industrial buildings had been vacant and deteriorated until Janus, with the support of New York State and the West Harlem community, began a multi-phase master-planned, mixed-use redevelopment that is creating a vibrant and growing home for technology, new media, arts and culture, retail, education, not-for-profit and other commercial enterprises.
“New York State and Urban Electric Power have been terrific partners in our ongoing effort to revitalize this important West Harlem neighborhood. We are extremely excited to work with creative companies like UEP that are producing the new jobs that will drive the economy of Harlem, New York City and New York State,” said Scott Metzner, Principal of The Janus Property Company. “The extraordinary growth of West Harlem into the most important education- and arts-driven district in New York is stunning. We are proud to be a part of this forward-looking community, and of the important contributions that we, UEP and New York State are making to its resurgence.”
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC) is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. The Councils are public-private partnerships composed of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. As a result of the first two rounds of awards, $1.5 billion in investments has been awarded to support more than 1,400 regionally significant economic development and community revitalization projects that are creating or helping to retain an estimated 75,000 jobs across the Empire State and generating investments to grow the economy. For more information on the regional councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
This article is a repost (press release 8-6-13), credit: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/.
Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced it has signed an agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to supply 14 BOMBARDIER FLEXITY Freedom light rail vehicles (LRV) for its ION rapid transit service in the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo is the third North American customer to choose the FLEXITY Freedom LRV platform and brings the total number of this vehicle on order to 400.
The contract is valued at approximately $66 million CAD ($63 million US, 47 million euro). Deliveries are planned in the second half of 2016. Final assembly of the vehicles will take place at Bombardier production facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo can also exercise options for 14 additional light rail vehicles.
“The purchase of light rail vehicles is a significant milestone for our project,” said Jim Wideman, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Region of Waterloo’s Planning and Works Committee. “The vehicles symbolize the considerable progress being made to bring this new service to residents in Waterloo Region.”
“Bombardier commends the Region of Waterloo for this important expansion of public transit in Ontario by offering rail transportation as a solution for increasing mobility, reducing congestion, and benefiting their economy.” said Raymond Bachant, President, Bombardier Transportation North America. “We greatly appreciate the confidence the Region of Waterloo has placed in us in choosing Bombardier’s proven state of the art light rail technology.”
The FLEXITY Freedom LRV is the next generation of the highly successful FLEXITY modular light rail platform. It combines proven elements and innovations, making it a perfect fit for future developments in urban transport. Agile enough for urban roadways and fast enough to connect a city to its suburbs, the FLEXITY Freedom allows modern cities to move faster and better. It saves energy, emits no CO2, and reduces visual and noise pollution.
The five-module, 100% low-floor vehicles are 30.2 meters long and 2.65 meters wide. These vehicles provide reliable performance along with a wide range of features, including car capacity for more than 280 passengers with a comfortable interior, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning. It has enhanced accessibility and safety features with locations for wheelchairs and strollers and a regenerative braking system that feeds power back into the network.
More than 3,500 trams and light rail vehicles are in service or on order around the world. Bombardier’s FLEXITY low-floor vehicles meet the individual needs of numerous cities including Toronto, Geneva, Zurich, Innsbruck, Brussels, Marseille, Valencia and Palermo as well as in the Rhine-Neckar Region, Berlin, Augsburg and Krefeld.
Every day, close to 1.5 million Ontarians rely on Bombardier rail vehicles to make their daily commute on the Toronto Subway and Streetcar systems, either on the Ottawa O-Train light rail system, or on GO Transit’s commuter rail network. Bombardier is more than delighted to see that the Region of Waterloo will be adding to these figures.
With more than 6,000 employees in Ontario, Bombardier has been investing for twenty years in the continued evolution of mobility, making sustainable transportation always more efficient for travellers.
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance for operators and passengers. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a very diverse customer base with products or services in more than 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, we posted revenues of $16.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
This article is a repost, credit: Bombardier, http://www.bombardier.com/en/home.html.
Israel’s leading bus operator, Dan Bus Company, today starts operation of the country’s first full size electric bus, the BYD ebus. Dan will be using the bus on Line 5 in Tel Aviv starting today. The operator expects to fully integrate the ebus into its normal operation since its range on a single charge of 250km in normal urban conditions plus the ability to recharge in four to five hours will match its normal service requirements.
The introduction of the BYD ebus – the first full size pure electric bus to enter passenger carrying service – into the Dan fleet is significant since Dan is planning to invest €85 million on electric buses over the next five years, meaning that 25% of its fleet will be emissions free. Dan notes that the maintenance costs for electric buses are 25% lower than for diesel buses, with the price of electricity per kilometre being one third of the cost of diesel.
The BYD ebus is being imported to Israel by Clal Motors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clal Industries. Use of the electric bus will lead to operational efficiency and tremendous savings in current expenses throughout the life cycle of the vehicle, particular as diesel fuel is not required. Additionally, the electric bus offers important advantages in the city as it is quiet and is virtually non-polluting.
Michael Nagar, Chairman of Dan, and CEO Shmuel Refaeli, said at today’s inauguration ceremony: “Today we mark a new era in the vision of public transportation being led by Dan. The quiet and comfort of travel in the electric bus hails a revolution in consumer experience, and we plan on offering this experience to all Dan passengers around the country. We thank Clal Motors and BYD for this strategic cooperation. We wish everybody a safe and quiet ride.”
Doron Vadai, CEO of Clal Motors said, “Public transportation based on electric buses is part of Clal’s and BYD’s vision of the green city, which includes electric buses and cars, generation of electricity through solar energy and use of energy-efficient LED lights. We are delighted to be partners in Dan’s implementation of the vision in Tel Aviv.”
Isbrand Ho, BYD Europe’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Dan Bus and Clal Motors to bring our green technology to Israel for the first time. We are confident that our ebus will bring welcome environmental and cost benefits to Tel Aviv’s bus fleet”.
Dan currently operates close to 1,300 buses and hundreds of minibuses in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Dan is considered a pioneer in setting urban public transportation standards in Israel and worldwide, with the introduction of the low-floor interior buses to Israel, which over time have become the standard for urban public transportation operators.
Photo courtesy of BYD
Comfort of journey and fuel savings
The BYD ebus delivers a host of benefits not only for the environment but also for the public transport and the bus operator. It does not emit any harmful fumes into the environment. What is more, it is very quiet and ensures a comfortable journey without the vibrations, jerks or noise associated with the conventional buses with combustion engines.
Zero emission
The BYD ebus is an all-electric vehicle. It does not emit harmful fumes into environment. This pure electric solution guarantees an appropriate range of the bus no matter what the road conditions.
The BYD ebus is a unique vehicle, from the start it was built as an electric bus and not a converted bus from a conventional power unit. What is more, it features appropriate weight distribution, thanks to the smart utilization of the battery weight, and that is why it has great level of driveability. The ebus also has a well-developed system of energy recovery, which allows the batteries to be recharged during braking.
250 km on one charge
The BYD ebus can drive for 250 km even in heavy city traffic after one full charge (although, a BYD ebus recently covered well over 300km on a single charge in Poland). This is the longest range of any electric bus. Charging time depends on the applied charger.
Pure electric BYD buses have been used in public transport since 2011. In China already 1,000 such buses have been built in the city of Shenzhen, 200 BYD electric buses have together accumulated almost 18 million km in passenger carrying service. In the first quarter of 2013 the BYD ebus obtained full European certification. This allowed the company to start selling buses on the European market. The Dutch province of Friesland is the first place in Europe where BYD electric buses are in use.
BYD ebus
The ebus built by BYD, is the first pure-electric bus powered by Iron-Phosphate battery in the world. More than 250 BYD ebuses are now in passenger carrying operations – by far the largest number from any bus brand. BYD ebus measures 12 meters long and is designed for customer transport comfort in mind. The technically advanced and specially designed wheel-hub motor, and its electronically controlled air suspension can offer customers a product with an exceptionally low floor, multiple door choices, and ample floor space for easy passenger access.
The imposing windscreen occupies two thirds of the frontal area of the bus for maximum viewing as well as safety. The bus body conveys an elegant exterior image, while the interior boasts an air of quality with adjustable driver’s seat, durable seats for passengers and a carefully engineered sound insulation keeping the interior ride whisper quiet.
BYD’s pure electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s 15,000 engineers strong R&D team. For example, the Iron-Phosphate battery or “Fe Battery” used on the BYD ebus is safe and non-polluting: the materials contained in the battery can be recycled or safely disposed of.
BYD ebus Project
Orders have been awarded in China, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. The BYD electric bus has also been successfully tested in many cities in Europe including Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Salzburg, and etc. The accumulated mileage of the 200 electric buses operating in the city of Shenzhen, China alone have exceeded 18 million kilometers (or 11.4 million miles) by the end of July 2013.
BYD ebus Highlights
Environmentally friendly
No direct emissions
Low noise
Recyclable Fe battery: no toxic electrolytes and no heavy metals
Advanced technology
Regenerative Braking
Wheel-hub motor
Fe battery
Charging convenience
Fully charged in 5 hours.
Extended range
The BYD ebus is able to run 250 km (155 miles ) on a single charge in urban conditions Safety
Unibody construction
4-wheel disc brakes
ABS and ASR
Passenger-oriented design
Airy designed interior space with low-entry
Special ramps for wheelchair access
Non-step passenger cabin
Wheel-hub Motor
The in-house developed rear drive axle installed on the BYD ebus is the core technology in BYD’s electric buses. The rear drive axle system integrates the wheel-hub drive and regenerative braking technologies, and at the same time, provides exceptional passenger comfort.
Compared to the conventional motor, the rear drive axle system has no gear box, no transmission shaft, and eliminating differential mechanism, therefore BYD is able to cut down the bus weight by 300kg and also greatly saving space. Thanks to the revolutionary design, power from the motor is directly transmitted to the driving wheels, there are significant improvements in power propulsion efficiency and reductions in noise and vibration.
Charging Facilities
The on-board AC charging technology developed by BYD is unique to the electric bus, requiring only 5 hours to fully recharge the BYD ebus.
Since the AC charging system has a direct connection to the grid, it can charge not only the batteries but correspondingly, in an emergency, transmit power back onto the grid from the batteries, for example, in a black out situation.
On-board AC charging system advantages:
Independent of charging stations.
Charging box is much smaller and lighter, and more convenient to transport than a conventional charging cabinet.
Low maintenance costs.
Suitable for various locations; easy to operate.
Charging is both safe and pollution free, therefore charging box can be installed in the building without concerns for hydrogen gas emission.
Operators are encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak hours in the evening to charge the vehicles reducing demand pressure on the grid.
Electricity can be transmitted back onto the grid from the on-board batteries, when necessary, for emergency power supply.
AC charging system is more cost-effective than DC charging system.
About BYD
BYD Co., Ltd is a leading-edge provider of green energy technologies that specializes in the IT, automotive, and new energy industries. Being the world’s biggest rechargeable battery manufacturer, BYD also has the largest global market share for cell-phone chargers and keypads. BYD branched out into the auto business in 2003, and has kept a robust yearly growth rate successively. In 2008, Warren Buffett invested $232 million to take a 9.89% stake in BYD. Today, BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese auto company and a global pioneer in the field of new energy vehicles including Dual Mode Electric Models and Pure Electric Models.
Based on its core Fe Battery technology, BYD has worked out a Green City Solution, which aims to electrify urban public transportation systems by transitioning from gasoline and diesel buses and taxis to pure electric ones. In March 2012, BYD and Daimler AG officially announced the entirely new EV brand Denza in China.
In addition, BYD has also focused on the Research & Development and manufacturing of a wide range of new energy products, including energy storage system, solar energy products and LED lighting. For more information, please visit www.byd.com, www.bydeurope.com, www.facebook.com/bydcompany, or [email protected].
This article is a repost, credit: BYD, http://www.byd.com/na/news/newslist.html.
First all-new Focus Electric rolls off Ford production line in Saarlouis, Germany. It’s Ford’s first fully electric vehicle built in Europe
Focus Electric spearheads Ford’s electrified vehicle line-up in Europe, C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and all-new Mondeo Hybrid coming next year
SmartGauge and Brake Coach technology help Focus Electric drivers optimise electric driving potential
Focus Electric is the first full-electric vehicle to be manufactured in Germany directly from a volume production line
Ford Focus Electric, Germany Photo courtesy of Ford
SAARLOUIS, Germany, June 12, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today began a new chapter in its vehicle manufacturing history with the start of production of the all-new Focus Electric – the first full-electric vehicle to be built by Ford in Europe – in Saarlouis, Germany.
The zero-emission Focus Electric is spearheading Ford’s line-up of electrified and highly fuel-efficient vehicles, and will be joined in Europe by the C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) next year, followed by the all-new 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 143 PS and achieves a top speed of 136 km/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.”
The launch of European production of Focus Electric was attended by Bernhard Mattes, chairman Ford-Werke GmbH; Martin Chapman, Saarlouis plant manager, Ford of Germany; Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Altmaier, and Prime Minister of the Saarland, Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer.
Ford has invested €16 million to integrate Focus Electric production directly into the established Focus production line at Saarlouis, delivering the flexibility to react to market demand with increased production volumes.
“The start of Focus Electric production in Saarlouis is hugely significant for Ford in Germany, and underlines Ford’s position as a leader in automotive innovation,” said Mattes. “We are giving customers the Power of Choice so they can decide whether a fuel efficient conventional powertrain or an electrified vehicle is right for their needs.”
The all-new Focus Electric is the first full-electric vehicle to be manufactured in Germany directly from a volume production line. Each Focus Electric is equipped with a 6.6 kW fully integrated onboard charger that can deliver around 100 km driving range with 2-3 hours charging, and around 150 km driving range with 3-4 hours charging from a 32 A power supply.*
Focus Electric features a new user interface called SmartGauge which calculates and displays range based on remaining energy; the driver’s unique vehicle use, across braking and acceleration inputs; and the use of accessories such as climate control and audio systems.
The Focus Electric’s sophisticated powertrain uses regenerative braking to capture up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy normally lost during the braking process, while the innovative Brake Coach feature encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery.
* Charging time will vary according to vehicle usage and environmental conditions. Approximate charge times based on external factors including driving style, accessory loading, battery state of charge and temperature.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 69,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (15 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and nine unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
This article is a repost, credit: Ford Motor Company, http://www.ford.com/newsevents/.
