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Ford teases an electric Focus

Will Ford's Focus BEV join the electric vehicle race at CES 2011?

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin

This teaser image of the upcoming Ford Focus BEV shows off the electric vehicle's charging port.
This teaser image of the upcoming Ford Focus BEV shows off the electric vehicle's charging port. Ford Motor Company

We've known for some time that Ford Motor Company has been developing a battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant of its Ford Focus. However, the mule previously showcased was based on the second-generation Focus chassis, which is now old-new following the unveiling of the third-generation Focus. Today, the automaker has released teaser photos of what appears to be a new Focus BEV concept and announced via its Ford Electric Vehicles Facebook fan page that it will have big news at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The charging port integrates a four-section battery level indicator, shown here at 3/4 charged.
The charging port integrates a four-section battery level indicator, shown here at 3/4 charged. Ford Motor Company

We can safely assume that the rest of the Focus BEV line will largely resemble the 2012 gasoline-powered Focus.
We can safely assume that the rest of the Focus BEV line will largely resemble the 2012 gasoline-powered Focus. AP

A set of photos posted on the automaker's Facebook wall showcases the electric car's charging port, which is located on the driver's-side front fender. Surrounding the charging port is a four-section LED ring that we assume indicates the battery's charge state in 25-percent increments. Also pictured is Ford's electric vehicle badge, which shares design elements and iconography with the automaker's hybrid vehicle badging.

Accompanying the photos is a caption indicating that Ford CEO Alan Mulally will have big news on Friday, Jan 7, at 11 a.m. PT. Our expectations are that Ford will be updating the previous Focus BEV concept to use the new third-generation Focus chassis. However, with the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf already silently humming along on public roads, the blue-oval crew may surprise us with the announcement of a production model and timeline. We'll be there bringing you more details as they emerge, so stay tuned.