Ford Focus Electric could dominate the EV market 08/15/2011
Ford is pushing forward with its electric vehicle (EV) projects, and the American automaker is planning on taking their green initiative one step further than other car companies. The Focus Electric is slated to begin sales in California and New York by the end of 2011 and will reach showroom floors across the country by spring 2012, according to Top Speed.
One step Ford is taking to keep its car ahead of the bunch in the electric race is to offer a variety of synthetic sounds for the otherwise silent car. Including a noise to warn pedestrians that electric cars are nearby has been a topic of much discussion for automotive safety officials as of late, since the gas-free vehicles don't make much sound on their own.
Most EVs don't yet have the technology, which is why Ford is ahead of the game. USA Today reports that the automaker has come up with four options and is putting the choice to a vote on Facebook. Some of the options are reminiscent of tinny recordings of rumbling engines, while the others are futuristic and almost bizarre.
"We’re trying to find a distinct sounds that's pleasing to customers and alerts them of an on-coming vehicle," said Dave McCreadie, the noise and vibration supervisor for hybrid and electric vehicles.
The automaker has also recently announced that they are teaming up with SunPower Corp. to develop solar panels for the Focus Electric. This added technology will reduce the amount of time that drivers spend charging their cars at charging stations and at their homes, which will lower their electric bills and save them even more money than other EVs. Ford states that the solar-powered rooftop system will be available for an additional $10,000, and there are many federal tax breaks and incentive options for motorists who purchase EVs to make the expense more reasonable.