How Electric Vehicle Owners Can Plan Ahead

These days, a lot of people are looking at alternatively powered vehicles. But since this is such new technology, we have no frame of reference for life with eco-conscious transportation. If you're among those considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, for instance, you may be asking yourself, "How do I make my home EV-ready?"

The best place to start preparing for an electric vehicle is at the local dealer. With the new 2012 Ford Focus Electric*, for instance, in addition to needing no gas or oil changes, you do not have to worry too much about prepping your home for a charging station. That's because Ford is working with the Best Buy® Geek Squad to help make installation of your charging station simple and stress-free. All you have to do is contact your local Ford certified EV Dealer and they will set up an appointment for a Best Buy Geek Squad agent to visit your home when you decide to purchase an electric vehicle.

In no time, the Geek Squad agent will be pulling into your driveway, ready to give your home a site inspection and answer your questions about the optional 240-volt Leviton charging station (with an exterior housing made of 60 percent post-consumer recycled material) recommended by Ford. Though the wall-mounted 240-volt station is not required (a standard 120-volt outlet works), it will cut the time required to fully charge your battery down to 3-4 hours.

If you want to take your energy conservation efforts to the next level, consider this: Ford is collaborating with industry leader SunPower® to offer a rooftop solar system for your home that produces clean, renewable energy and can help offset the electricity used during charging.

As with your phone, you'll find yourself getting in the habit of planning your charges in advance to make it through the day easily. And that brings us to the final lifestyle change that comes with owning an electric vehicle: You'll have to find a new place to buy your coffee and snacks of choice, because you'll suddenly be finding yourself in far fewer gas stations.

*Coming Spring 2012. Limited Availability.

Learn more about the Focus Electric at Ford.com

As with any relatively new technology, myths have emerged around electric vehicles. Here are some statements you may hear as you research your electric vehicle (EV) purchase -- along with explanations of what is fiction and what is fact.

"The technology isn't ready."
Sure, electric vehicle technology is still new to the general public. But the fact is companies like Ford have been putting reliable, efficient hybrid electric vehicles on the road for more than a decade. EV technology is more than just ready -- it's here to stay.

"I'm afraid I'll be stranded when the battery runs out."
When it comes to hybrids and plug-in hybrids, the gas engine can take over, and even help recharge the battery -- so you won't have to worry about being stranded. As for all-electric vehicles, the public and private sectors are working together to increase the existing infrastructure so that recharging is conveniently available to everyone. Also, Ford is working with a major map provider to bring efficient routes and the ability to locate the nearest charging station into the new 2012 Focus Electric, coming in spring 2012.

"Electric vehicles are too expensive."
Prices may be higher than some conventional gas-powered automobiles. However, electric vehicles are designed to deliver maximum fuel efficiency, and tax credits may be available to potentially help reduce the total cost over time.

"They don't make electric vehicles in the style I want."
Style is subjective. But with such popular cars as the Ford Fusion and Ford Escape available as hybrid electric vehicles -- and plenty more, like the new Ford Focus Electric, currently in development -- it's clear that the style options for electric vehicles are expanding rapidly. 

Learn more about the Focus Electric at Ford.com

When it comes to driving an automobile, we can all agree on what's most important: getting safely from point A to point B. When it comes to choosing one, however, considerations branch out into style, brand, performance and many other factors, including environmental impact.

If you're a city driver, an electric car is a particularly smart choice in terms of fuel cost savings and lower environmental impact. The electric motor excels in stop-and-go driving at low speeds, and in hybrids and plug-in hybrids, the gas engine will assist or take over when necessary to recharge the battery or provide additional power for acceleration. In all three types of EVs, once you've stopped, the electric motor ceases drawing current, resulting in a substantial savings of energy.

When it comes time to cruise down the highway, an electric car has all the power you need to get around, and responds immediately when you step on the accelerator. In a hybrid, the gasoline engine assists or takes over when additional power is required, for performance you'd expect from an internal combustion engine.

Providing information on battery charge status and fuel economy, EVs give you the data you need to drive sensibly. Various models may also offer tools like an "efficiency coach" to help you achieve maximum range, or even an interactive display. The upcoming 2012 Ford Focus Electric*, for instance, shows butterflies on its in-dash display as you increase the vehicle's range past the next entered charge point destination, increasing the number of winged beauties as you drive smarter.

An all-electric vehicle like the 2012 Ford Focus Electric will even provide you with helpful information such as the most efficient route to your destination or real-time data about your battery's charge level.

As you can see, major breakthroughs in automotive technology have improved how we drive and how we relate to our cars. But ultimately, it's still about getting from point A to point B -- it's just easier these days to reduce your emissions, and to increase your enjoyment along the way.

*Coming spring 2012. Limited availability.

Learn more about the Focus Electric at Ford.com

There's change in the air -- and if you're like many people, you're becoming increasingly curious about alternative-energy options for your next automobile. In order to aid you, here's a breakdown of what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about an electric vehicle.

It began with the "hybrid"-- earning its name by combining an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The car analyzes how you're driving, then switches between power sources accordingly -- using the electric motor for short distances and low speeds to help save fuel, whereas higher speeds and long distances fall back on old-fashioned gasoline.

If you're hoping to take energy conservation to the next level, then you might want to look at plug-in hybrids. Plug-ins have a larger battery capacity than a normal hybrid vehicle, as well as the added ability to plug into a standard 120-volt outlet (or a 240-volt outlet upgraded with special equipment) and operate for longer distances on battery power alone.

Then, of course, there's the all-electric vehicle. It's the car of choice for those looking to get over gasoline and fully embrace electric. Pairing an electric motor with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, an all-electric vehicle will run purely on electricity -- resulting in zero CO2 emissions, in the case of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric.*

With potential tax credits, and charging during off-peak hours when rates are typically lower, operating an all-electric vehicle could be pretty economical. And once you're behind the wheel of an all-electric vehicle, feel free to wave to everyone paying at the gas pump -- you'll be plugging in from now on.

*Coming spring 2012. Limited availability.

Learn more about the Focus Electric at Ford.com