(June 12, 2013) SAARLOUIS, Germany — Ford today began a new chapter in its vehicle manufacturing history with the start of production of the all-new Focus Electric — the first full-electric vehicle to be built by Ford in Europe — in Saarlouis, Germany.

The zero-emission Focus Electric is spearheading Ford’s line-up of electrified and highly fuel-efficient vehicles, and will be joined in Europe by the C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) next year, followed by the all-new Mondeo Hybrid soon after.

Developed as a “One Ford” global vehicle, the Focus Electric features an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain that produces 141 horsepower and achieves a top speed of 85 mph. Focus Electric has been manufactured in North America since December 2011 and the Saarlouis-built Focus Electric will reach European customers in August.

“Focus Electric marks the dawn of an exciting new age of full-electric Ford passenger vehicles in Europe, and demonstrates the success of the One Ford strategy in making this sophisticated vehicle available to our European customers,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “It’s a car that addresses the mobility demands and environmental concerns of today’s car buyers in the most direct way possible combining performance and advanced technology with a zero-emission powertrain.”

The all-new Focus Electric is the first full-electric vehicle to be manufactured in Germany directly from a volume production line. Each Focus Electric is equipped with a 6.6 kW fully integrated onboard charger that can deliver around 62-mile driving range with 2-3 hours charging, and around 93 miles driving range with 3-4 hours charging.

Focus Electric features a new user interface called SmartGauge which calculates and displays range based on remaining energy; the driver’s unique vehicle use, across braking and acceleration inputs; and the use of accessories such as climate control and audio systems.

The Focus Electric’s sophisticated powertrain uses regenerative braking to capture up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy normally lost during the braking process, while the innovative Brake Coach feature encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery.