Ford is expecting a 100 MPGe rating for its first fully electric car when its Focus Electric model goes launches next year, giving it a better efficiency rating than the Nissan Leaf.
The MPGe ratings system used in the US is designed to give electric and hybrid type cars an energy efficiency rating in equivalent terms to the MPG rating used for combustion cars, with the letter ‘e’ standing for equivalent. Established by the US Department for Energy, it is meant to make it easier for consumers to compare the efficiency ratings of different fuel types.
If Ford’s model does indeed reach the magic 100 rating it will be the five-seater EV to do so, with the Nissan Leaf currently rated at 99MPGe and the four seater, Mitsubishi i-MiEV rated at 112MPGe. Chevrolet’s Volt range-extended model has a rating of just 93MPGe when driven in electric mode.
The Focus Electric, already available to order in the US, will launch in selected states next year before heading to Europe in 2013. The car is the first step in Ford’s electrification strategy which aims to launch five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in European markets by 2013.
Ford is also boasting that its Focus Electric will recharge faster than the Leaf, its biggest rival. According to the US car maker, the Focus Electric will also be the first all-electric vehicle to feature faster charging technology, allowing it to fully recharge in three to four hours using a 240V charge station– half the time of a standard charge for the Nissan Leaf.
“Focus Electric’s innovative faster charging technology can help customers save money and get much more out of the car in a busy day of running around town and recharging between stops,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering. “We also are pleased the Focus Electric will break the 100 MPGe mark – a great symbol of how Ford has transformed its fleet with many vehicles delivering leading fuel economy and efficiency.”.
Ford began taking orders for the 2012 Focus Electric in November through Certified Electric Vehicle Dealers in California and New York/New Jersey markets. In 2012, availability of the Focus Electric will expand to another 15 launch markets as production ramps up.
