The Ford Story: “The Jay Leno Show” Will Feature All-new Battery Electric Ford Focus

We’re teaming up with “The Jay Leno Show” and providing an all-new battery electric Ford Focus that celebrities will drive. The electric Ford Focus will be the exclusive vehicle for “The Jay Leno Show” in a segment the host calls the “Green Car Challenge.” The battery electric vehicle (BEV), specially made for the show, foreshadows elements of the electric Focus that Ford will begin selling in North America in 2011.

“Having our Focus battery electric vehicle on the show is a great way to demonstrate how fun to drive these cars really can be,” said Lisa Drake, chief engineer, Ford Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle Programs. “Beyond the immediate excitement of driving, it demonstrates that Ford is investing in this technology and that we’re committed to electric vehicles.”

Ford plans to put at least four electrified vehicles on the road in North America by 2012, including the Focus BEV in 2011, as well as new hybrids and a plug-in hybrid.

“Ford is absolutely committed to delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency with every new vehicle we introduce,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Focus showcases how electric vehicles can be smart, green, fast and fun. It also illustrates Ford’s commitment to fuel efficiency and doing our part to contribute to a better world.”

“The Jay Leno Show”

Leno will showcase the electric Ford Focus when “The Jay Leno Show” kicks off September 14, 2009. Celebrity guests will complete against each other in the “Green Car Challenge” segment.

The Ford hybrid and battery electric vehicle program team worked together with Ford Racing to develop the special BEV for the show. It took three weeks to build the car and another couple of weeks to properly tune the suspension so it could be driven fast on a racetrack. The development work was done at Ford Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan.

The Focus BEV built for the show has a split battery pack, with one battery in the cargo area and one underneath the car in the space normally occupied by the fuel tank. Because this Focus is built to race, it is equipped with a roll bar and a five-point harness for the driver.

Ford’s Fuel Efficiency Leadership

Ford’s fuel efficiency leadership includes new EcoBoost^TM engines on sale today in the Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and, soon, Lincoln MKT. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO₂ emissions and superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines.

By 2013, Ford will offer EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its product lineup with annual volume of vehicles with EcoBoost at 1.3 million globally.

Ford also has four hybrid vehicles on the road today: the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. At 41 miles per gallon, the Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America – 8 mpg better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Overall, Ford is making an unprecedented investment in new engine, transmission and driveline components, helping the company further improve vehicle fuel economy.

“We are committed to delivering new products with the best fuel economy in every segment in which we compete – driven in large part by substantial advancements in powertrain technology,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Global Powertrain Engineering. “We are focusing on sustainable technology solutions that can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars – but for millions of cars, because that is how Ford truly will make a difference.”

Among coming products are pure battery electric versions of the Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and Focus sedan in 2011. The Transit Connect is expected to have a range of up to 100 miles.

The Focus BEV, which Ford is developing with Magna, will be produced at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. The sedan can be charged from both a standard 110V, as well as a 220V wall outlet.

14 Comments

Ginny
September 9, 2009 at 10:20 am

Car Companies can make all the latest model cars they want. There are some really nice cars out there today. The question is-- How safe are they really? In the late 80's, I started driving a 1980 Ford Pinto that was handed down to me by another family member who had bought it used. When I started driving it, it was in excellent condition. Not even a scratch. One day that car was hit, on the drivers side front end, by someone who went through a stop sign. Had the other car hit mine even 2 seconds later, I know I would not be here today. Luckily, I walked out of the hospital, hours later, with only some major bruising, and lots of pain. Reply

Todd Wilson
September 9, 2009 at 9:25 pm

I recently bought a 2010 Mustang GT and I love it !!! I felt confident in buying a Ford car especially when they did not talk a dime of that bail out govt. money. This car is amazing, its responsiveness, handling, powermake it a pleasure to drive. I truly love my Ford Mustang GT. Reply

gknight
September 10, 2009 at 2:30 pm

All this technology is great but how many everyday Americans can afford it? Thirty thousand dollars for a car/truck/suv is simply crazy. And what is the true ownership of these vehicles? Not to mention you will have to take them to the dealership when they break down (which the will) and who wants to spend another $8,000 to replace batteries when they go bad (which I haven't seen any warranty info on the batteries). Can you simply imagine having a $500 ($30,000 over 60 months) car payment and possibly having to go get another $8000 loan to be able to drive your car if you need to replace batteries? Thanks, but no thanks. I can't afford to buy a gas engined car. New cars are WAY overpriced no matter who makes them or what type of energy they use. Reply

FordOwner1
September 10, 2009 at 11:49 pm

I do agree with some of what you have said. First off, almost any new car is an expense, not an investment. Exceptions include high end exotic cars and a few hand built, limited run models. Anyone who buys virgin technology and has to be the first kid on the block to have it will always pay more for it. There may very well be a few people who may pay a steep price for the batteries down the road but like anything else, costs will come down. You dont just not make something just because its not affordable. The technology has to start somewhere with someone or we would not be enjoying cheap TV's and Blu-Ray players right now. The common man will have his affordable electric or CNG car soon enough but just because you and i cant afford it does not mean it should never be built. Automakers would not make overpriced cars if people stopped buying them. Nearly anyone with a job and a checking account can buy a base Focus. We just may have to keep living in moms basement. :) Reply

Len Holdsworth
September 12, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Batterry life and replacement costs are major issues to know in advance of purchasing the electric vehicle. Reply

Randy
September 13, 2009 at 9:48 am

You should also to take into account the reduced cost of ownership of an electric car. Electric cars today go about 4 miles per kWh and at 10 cents a kWh it would cost $5.00 to go 200 miles. A gasoline car getting 25 MPG with gas selling for $3.00 per gallon would cost $24.00 to go 200 miles. This is a savings of $1,425 a year if you drive 15,000 miles per year. Plus with and electric car there are no oil changes, tune-ups, muffler, timing belt, spark plugs, spark plug wires, catalytic converter, air filer, or oil filter. How much do you spend a year on all this stuff? Also, with regenerative braking, being done by the motor, the breaks will last much longer. Reply

gknight
September 14, 2009 at 8:11 am

First off let me say my comments were not meant to be a dig at Ford. In my opinion they are the best and the ONLY car company I will buy automobiles from. I just can't buy a one new. I think what they are doing with Hybrid, electric and batteries is fantastic. My point is simply price. Whether it be hybrid, electric or gas. They are just simply too expensive. To FordOwner1's point about new technology being more expensive...I agree with when it applies to TV's, mobile phone's or electronics in general, but when was the last time a car company's prices came down and I'm not talking about incentives.

And to Randy's point, I would also agree that eliminating all those 'maintenance' items is a definite plus, but what about the maintenance items that replace them? How many can the owner handle (all of them you listed can be done by a backyard mechanic) and when averaged out, what is the true savings.

My final comment is to Ford. Keep up the good work, I love your products (still upset the Taurus X was eliminated, best family vehicle ever) and I hope there continues to be enough Americans that can afford new cars to keep you business. Reply

Frank
September 14, 2009 at 5:07 pm

I had a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid, put almost 60,000 miles on it in 30 months and never had a probelm with it. It also has the best warranty in ine industry. The Toyota hybrid only has a 100,000 mile warranty. The Ford came with a 10 year 150,000 mile warranty. If anyone is concerned about repairs, you can purchase an extended warranty from Fords website for $1,700.00. They make a GREAT car and for the most part don't have major problems. I wouldn't drive anything other than a Ford as they stand behind thier products. Reply

boyd jacobs
September 11, 2009 at 4:15 pm

i bought g.m. from'65 to''92. i was treated badly by there customer service dept. i switched to ford that year. i recently bought anew sportstrac and really like it. ford acts like they appreciate your business and they didn't accept gov. bailout money. i've heard a number of people say that one factor was the reason that were going to buy a ford Reply

joseph martino
September 12, 2009 at 9:54 am

I have a focus now and am excited about the upcoming e.v. version. It's just a thought but why not make this an extended range vehicle as with the chevy volt. Reply

Kathy
September 12, 2009 at 3:41 pm

So what kind of mileage will the electric cars get? How far will they go on one charge? Reply

Scott Monty
September 13, 2009 at 10:23 am

Joseph & Kathy, thank you for your inquiries about our electrification plans and specifically about the range of such vehicles. It's too early to determine what the exact range will be, but we'll be aiming for something that is practical for the majority of consumers that are interested in electric vehicles. One of the challenges that we're addressing internally and with partners is maximum range at an affordable price. You can see what we mean by checking out the diagram at: http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/2009/01/11/the-business-of-electrification/ Our electrification plans are comprehensive, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV). A full account of that, plus a video is available here: http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/2009/01/11/ford-electrified-vehicle-overview/ Scott Monty Global Digital Communications Ford Motor Company Reply

Charles Whitney
September 13, 2009 at 2:01 pm

I love the new Hybrid Fusion. Unfortunately it is high priced and then in California our dealer is adding an additional $5000 added dealer markup on top of the invoice. (Future Ford in Sacramento/Roseville) This practice should be stopped by Ford as it only further discourages hybrid buying. Reply

Jean Daly
January 21, 2010 at 6:54 pm

We, at R.E. Barber Ford in Ventura, CA, do not put additional markup on our hybrids. Right now we have ~7 in stock to choose from or can special order the one you want. We are very proud to be a Ford dealer and have been happy with the plan that Alan Mulally put into place years ago so that we would not be beholden to the government for a bailout...Our motto here is Be American, Buy American! Reply

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