Ford earlier this week announced that it is taking orders for the all-electric version of its 2012 Focus sedan.
As of Nov. 2, drivers who "want to go completely gasoline-free will be able to configure the all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric online at Ford.com and place their orders with a certified electric vehicle dealer," the automaker said in a news release.
The Focus Electric first will be available in limited quantities in the California and New York/New Jersey markets.
As production ramps up, the vehicle will be available next year in 15 other launch markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Ford chose the launch markets based on several criteria, including "commuting patterns, existing hybrid purchase trends, utility-company collaboration and local-government commitment to electrification," the automaker noted.
The 2012 Focus Electric is Ford's first all-electric passenger car, and the first of five electrified vehicles planned for launch in North America by next year.
"The all-new Focus Electric is an important part of Ford's overall strategy, bringing still another option to customers who want a car that is fun-to-drive, easy to own and fully electric," said Chad D'Arcy, Focus Electric marketing manager.
The Focus Electric comes standard with a slew of high-tech bells and whistles, including an 8-inch touchscreen; a mobile app for remotely monitoring and scheduling battery charging with owners' smartphones; ambient lighting; a rear camera with a rear parking sensor; a voice-activated navigation system; and electronic traction control.
The only options on the Focus Electrics are leather seats and two paint colors, the automaker noted.
"Ford believes driving electric doesn't mean consumers should have to sacrifice on driving experience or vehicle quality," D'Arcy said. "The Focus Electric comes with more standard features than any other comparable all-electric vehicle."
The Focus Electric's battery can be recharged in about three hours using a 240-volt charging station, according to Ford, which says the charging time is nearly twice as fast as that of the 2012 Nissan Leaf.
Drivers also can top off the battery via any standard 120-volt outlet using the included charging cord.
Drivers interested in learning more about the 2012 Focus Electric can view detailed product specs and virtually build and price one at a dedicated website.
They also can locate their nearest certified Ford EV dealers using the website.
