As much as I try to deny the truth, I simply cannot hide from the fact that alternative power sources WILL be powering our future cars. Damn it. I suppose internal combustion lovers like me will lament the passing of oil suckers. The good news is the torque electric motors put out (for their size) AND the lack of revs to get it. You can achieve maximum torque at 0 rpm. Basically, this means you get to tear into tarmac with maximum torque from the moment you touch the go pedal.
Another benefit is the amount of power that goes into a modern electric car. As technology advances and electricity storage (read: batteries) becomes more consumer friendly, we will see vast improvements in energy consumption and pollution. Even by today’s standards, modern electric machines like Tesla’s Roadster use less overall energy than a gas equivalent.
What’s missing? Accessible quick charge (220 volt) stations that can charge most of the battery in a reasonable amount of time. As it stands, a quick charge takes 2 to 3 hours and a 110 volt charge ranges about 15 hours – give or take a few hours. Lower times correspond with less charging. So, here’s what Ford is cooking up for their new electric cars’ charging points: “Ford’s Blue Oval ChargePoint Program is part of Coulomb Technologies’ $37 million ChargePoint America charging station infrastructure project made possible by a $15 million grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the Department of Energy.”
Ford goes on to say,
“Under the Ford Blue Oval ChargePoint Program, residents in nine designated markets could receive a free ChargePoint® Networked Charging Station with the purchase of a Ford Transit Connect Electric vehicle. The nine markets designated by Coulomb Technologies include Austin, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Sacramento, the San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Redmond, Wash., and Washington D.C. The installation of ChargePoint charging stations will begin immediately.” - - Ford press release. The Ford Focus Electric Car I tested with Roman Mica was a prototype. That is to say that nothing could be fully confirmed (ya’ know… pricing, performance, availability - - colors). We know it will max out at 85 mph puts out about 140 horsepower and can do 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds. Like I said, it’s a prototype and was meant as a taste of our future.
This Euro Focus has tighter rally suspension and excellent weight distribution given its size. Handling and grip were quite good. There was no hum or buzz emanating from anywhere – just a near-silent whisper. Just point – and shoot. It’s fun and an amazing way to scare the crap out of a cyclist who is hogging too much road.
Firing the first volley of big-ish three electric cars will be General Motors with their Chevrolet Volt. It’s not a true electric car as there is a gas engine that powers up the batteries. So, Ford will be the first to sell an ALL electric vehicle. That vehicle will be a Ford Transit Connect. It’s an interesting choice given the propensity for owners (small shops – mostly) to do in-town delivers and pickups. Rather clever of Ford actually.
These will, of course, debut on the coattails of Nissan’s all electric Leaf – and we’re ALL rather curious about that car.
Stay tuned for more from TFLcar!
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