Ford to Offer Three Electric Models in Europe for 2014
Ford will expand its European range in 2014 with the Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Mondeo Hybrid, targeting buyers seeking alternatives to petrol and diesel.
Ford will have three electrified models on sale in Europe by 2014, adding the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Mondeo Hybrid to the existing Focus Electric. The move brings Ford’s European line-up closer to its US portfolio, where electrified vehicles have seen growing demand.
Ford Focus Electric: Battery-powered hatchback
The Focus Electric is Ford’s first European-market battery electric car, assembled in Saarlouis, Germany. It uses a 23 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery and an electric motor delivering 142 PS. Official figures put its range at 162 km, with a top speed of 137 km/h. Charging is handled by a 6.6 kW on-board charger, allowing a full recharge in three to four hours from a 32 amp supply. The Focus Electric is already available to European buyers, offering zero tailpipe emissions and a conventional hatchback body style.
C-MAX Energi: Plug-in hybrid joins the range
Set to arrive in 2014, the C-MAX Energi will be Ford’s first plug-in hybrid for Europe. It combines a petrol engine with a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling more than 30 km of pure electric driving. Ford targets CO2 emissions below 50 g/km. The battery can be fully charged in under three hours using a charging station. The C-MAX Energi is aimed at buyers who want electric driving for short trips but need the flexibility of a conventional engine for longer journeys.
Mondeo Hybrid: Hybrid saloon for European buyers
The Mondeo Hybrid, based on the US-market Fusion Hybrid, is also due in 2014. It pairs an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery, and is capable of running on electric power alone at speeds up to 136 km/h. Ford is targeting fuel consumption below 4.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions under 99 g/km. The Mondeo Hybrid will be the only full hybrid saloon in Ford’s European range, appealing to buyers seeking lower running costs and emissions without moving to a plug-in model.
Ford’s electrification strategy in Europe
Ford’s European electrified line-up is intended to complement its existing range of petrol and diesel models. The company has pointed to growing demand for electrified vehicles in the US, where its electrified vehicle sales through June 2013 reached around 46,000 units, a fourfold increase over the previous year. The expansion in Europe comes as rivals such as Fiat have confirmed they will not offer electric models like the 500e in the region, while Ford is aiming to provide a broader choice for customers balancing environmental concerns and ownership needs.
