New Ford Focus Electric to Offer Convenient Charging Station With Plenty of Consumer Benefits

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  

• The Ford Focus Electric will offer an innovative home charging station for customers that delivers several benefits for a convenient and simple experience. The unit was jointly developed with Leviton, a leading North American producer of electrical devices

• The charging station for the Ford Focus Electric can be easily installed, replaced or upgraded without the use of tools due to its innovative design and mounting bracket, making removal and replacement a simple unplug and plug back in

• Other benefits of the charging station include an industry-leading price point and 10-year limited hardware warranty, along with being manufactured in the United States

The Ford Focus Electric offers breakthrough, customer-centered technology, and a home charging station that brings convenience and value to match. Jointly developed with Leviton, a leading North American producer of electrical devices, the unit offers a wide variety of benefits for Focus Electric customers.

One of the main advantages of the charging station is the nonpermanent-style installation. The unit plugs into a 240-volt outlet instead of being hard-wired into the electrical breaker box. The nonpermanent-style design makes removal and replacement as simple as unplug and plug back in should the owner move.

"We're delivering an industry-leading charge station that offers customers not only the best value, but also tremendous flexibility," said Mike Tinskey, manager of vehicle electrification and infrastructure, Ford Motor Company. "It's just one part of how Ford is making Focus Electric a simpler driving solution for customers."

Manufactured in the United States, the unit's exterior housing is made out of up to 60 percent post consumer recycled material. The unit also is compatible with all upcoming Ford plug-in vehicles.

Complete with attractive design aesthetics, the unit also has a larger power design than the competition, allowing for faster charge times as vehicles accommodate.

"We are pleased to partner with Ford, a world class innovator, as we embark on the electric vehicle revolution.  Leviton has a long history of providing commercial and residential electrical power delivery solutions which are easy to use and backed by industry leading service and support.  Our Evr-Green electric vehicle charging products continue that tradition and add another solution to our growing portfolio of green products and services.  These innovative solutions will help promote the adoption and expansion of electric vehicles," said Mike Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton's Commercial and Industrial business unit.

Ford is working with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to sell the charging station and offer complete consultation and installation services through its Geek Squad subsidiary and third-party licensed electrical contractors. Based on current plans, the Focus Electric home charging station with standard installation is expected to retail for approximately $1,499, as much as 30 percent less than competitors' systems.  The unit also will have a limited 10-year hardware warranty.

Ford's electrification strategy

Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy. Ford's aggressive strategy includes the launch of five new electrified vehicles in Europe and North America. In addition to Focus Electric, Ford introduced the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010.  The company also will launch two next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids and a plug-in hybrid in 2012. The range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to address a variety of consumer driving needs.

Ford's electrification strategy also leverages the most fuel-efficient powertrains, the most technically competent hybrids and the company's global vehicle platforms in order to develop affordable choices for consumers.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Leviton

Leviton (www.leviton.com) is the largest privately held global provider of electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. Founded at the turn of the 20th century in America, Leviton has grown to become a preeminent leader in the electrical industry. Today Leviton's product portfolio consists of more than 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses, and industry. Proven a smart choice, nine out of ten homes throughout North America have Leviton products installed in them. Builders, electrical contractors, and other industry professionals rank Leviton products #1 in brand preference. To request more information about Leviton's Evr-Green portfolio, please visit www.evrgreeninfo.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company