All Electric 2009 Ford Focus BEV Test Drive

[jpak]

http://allcarselectric.com/2009/01/all-electric-2009-ford-focus-bev-test-drive/

Ford made an especially strong jump on the EV scene at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show announcing that they will begin mass production of a battery-electric vehicle, yet unnamed, in 2011.

I was invited by Ford to actually test drive a prototype. At this point the vehicle is based on the Ford Focus body, which is known as a C-class sedan.

When I arrived for my test drive out on the cold street in front of the Detroit Cobo convention center, I found the unassuming Focus was adorned with bright yellow plug graphics to let you know what was under the hood. I was given a tour of the engine compartment and could see the large electric motor, power electronic module, and 400V high voltage cables running back from the engine compartment.

After getting into the driver’s seat I turned the key and heard a little clicking, but no crank of course, and then the charge indicator lit up letting me know we could drive.

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[n2doc]

1. A funny after-market accessory for EV's

...would be some kind of automated link to the audio system which plays the sound of a mighty V8 starting up when one twists the "starter key". Just to reassure the driver that the thing is actually on! Of course, one could pick other sounds (lawnmower, jet, 1 cylinder outboard.....).