Ford Focus BEV

For the immediate future, Ford will continue to develop internal combustion engines, but it’s good to finally see a practical, family-sized electric model on the way. The company still has a long way to go with its battery-run Focus, though – not many buyers would opt for a car with a range of only 75 miles. Once the technology is honed to give greater distance, however, the BEV will make real sense.

From the mean and green to the clean and green! Ford wasn’t content with its frugal ECOnetic range, and has built an all-electric, zero-emissions version of its best-selling family hatch – called the Focus BEV.

Power comes from two bulky battery packs: one replaces the fuel tank below the rear seats, and the other eats up half of the boot space. Beneath the bonnet lies a 100kW electric motor: this equates to 134bhp, giving similar performance to a 2.0-litre diesel. The car covers 0-60mph in 10 seconds and reaches 80mph flat-out.

In the cabin, an energy usage gauge replaces the tachometer, and instead of a handbrake lever there’s an electronic unit that engages automatically when Park is selected. The centre console has a red emergency power shut-off button on it.

Turn the key and there’s a click from the powerpack at the rear, but virtually no noise from the motor up front. And while the batteries add around 200kg of weight, Ford has retained the responsive steering, smooth ride and balanced handling we expect from the hatch.

There are no plans to mass produce the Focus BEV in the UK, but 15 models will be built and trialled in the London borough of Hillingdon throughout 2010.

Rival: Vauxhall Ampera
The Ampera uses a petrol unit to extend its electric motor’s range to 300 miles-plus. It emits a small amount of CO2, but is more practical than the Focus.