The brand new Ford Focus Electric, which is scheduled to debut in the US late next year and in Europe in 2012, will take its power from a lithium-ion battery pack that uses heated and cooled liquid to maximise battery life and range.
The thermal management system is essential to the success of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars because without it extreme temperatures could affect performance, reliability, safety and durability. With an advanced liquid cooling and heating system the temperature of the lithium-ion batteries is regulated which keeps them working well in a range of conditions.
So how does it work?
The active liquid system will heat or chill a coolant before it is pumped through the battery cooling system. On hot days, chilled water absorbs the heat from batteries and disperses it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. Then on cold days, the heated water warms the batteries and gradually brings the system’s temperature to a level that allows it to accept charge energy and provides discharge power for optimised performance.
In addition, the system helps to charge the vehicle. When the all-electric Focus is plugged in to recharge the vehicle control system automatically preconditions the battery. Meanwhile, if the battery is already at the optimal temperature the system will automatically accept charge and maintain an optimal temperature.
The Ford Focus Electric will have a range in the region of 100miles and will be available in late 2011.
