Ford Focus Electric Is Star Of Consumer Electronics Show Auto Division

By Woody Thomas on January 12, 2011, 11:04 am

Every year the Consumer Electronics Show amazes those of us who follow the techie kinds of things, and this year is no different. Tablet PC’s, gaming systems, wireless carriers and their innovations, and the car companies…yes, the car companies show off their best innovations in the electronics area every year here, too. And, considering the concern over renewable energy technologies, the auto industry now has more of a right than ever to show off here.

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The Star Of The Automotive Section

The most important car at CES was the Ford Focus Electric, Which the company chose to introduce first to the tech geeks rather than at this week’s Detroit Auto Show. Why? Because the car bristles with electronic apps that make the most of its roughly 100-mile range. Like Leaf and Volt, the Focus Electric can be charged using a 240-volt Level 2 charge station that is sold separately through Best Buy, or via the 120-volt cord that comes with the vehicle. Charge times on 120-volt power were not released. Ford recommends using the 240-volt charger. The estimated cost to fully charge vehicle: $2 to $3.

When The Electric Focus Will Be Available

Ford says it will launch the Focus Electric in late 2011. The Focus Electric is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery system engineered by Ford in cooperation with supplier LG Chemical. The company began ramping up the excitement for the CES reveal by releasing a series of teaser pictures on their Ford Electric Vehicles Facebook page. Who is going to buy a high-tech, electric car? The same people at the CES show who are buying ‘tablets’ and new lightweight 3-D glasses. It was an excellent marketing move on their part.

Other Things In The Automotive Section Not As Important

RE Auto brought along a tiny Smart Car that had a stereo so powerful my ears were throbbing to Tech N9ne’s “Sickology.” And it’s megawatt sound unit was matched with the video stuff — no less than three screens, two in the doors and one mounted on the dashboard. Pioneer stereos were showcased in classic (very nice) Camaros, with woofers big enough to demand a little trunk space.