Ford Focus Electric Components

Much press time has been spent discussing all of the components the 2012 Ford Focus Electric won’t have, and how lack of those specific components will save the Focus Electric owners big on maintenance bills (see this post on how the Ford Focus Electric saves you thousands)

There’s also another side to electric vehicles – all of the components on the Ford Focus Electric that won’t exist on the gasoline powered Ford Focus.

Motor Controller

The Ford Focus Electric’s motor controller is the brains of the motor. It keeps track of the motors position, power consumption, speed and temperature. The motor controller combines this data with the driver’s input to get power from the batteries to drive the Ford Focus Electric’s motor.

High Voltage Electric HVAC Compressor

Specifically designed for the Ford Focus Electric and other electric vehicles. It draws energy directly from the main battery pack.

Electric Water Pumps

Circulates coolant to keep the Ford Focus Electric’s traction motor, inverters, battery, and heater cool.

Traction Motor

Converts electrical power to mechanical power to propel the Ford Focus electric. Electric motors are 3 times as efficient as a gasoline engine which helps minimize energy loss and heat generation and enables the Ford Focus Electric to be energy efficient.

Electric Power Steering

Much work has gone into the Ford Focus Electric’s power steering. It’s the first electric power steering on a major production car, and it’s been designed to deliver the same steering response as you’re used to.

Transmission

The Ford Focus Electric’s drive motor has a much higher rpm range than a gasoline engine, so the transmission had to be designed to handle it. The transmission in the Ford Focus Electric was designed with specific emphasis on slient operation and efficiency. The Ford Focus Electric transmission is a single speed transmission.

Modular Powertrain Cradle

Unlike most vehicles that have the engine mounted to the body or sub frame of the car, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric has a powertrain cradle that houses the entire propulsion system within the engine compartment. This isolates noise and vibration from the passenger compartment making the Ford Focus Electric a smooth and quiet ride.

Electric Vacuum Pump

Like the power steering pump on the Ford Focus Electric, the vacuum pump was also designed to be electric – normal vacuum pumps are powered by the gasoline engine.

 Vehicle Control Unit

This computer monitors and controls each system on the Ford Focus Electric. The control unit also manages energy and mechanical power being delivered to the wheels to maximize the range of the Ford Focus Electric.

Battery Pack

The Ford Focus Electric battery pack has a total energy capacity of 23kWh. The Focus Electric uses liquid coolant to maintain an optimal battery pack temperature to help maximize range.

AC Charger

Converts AC electricity from the power grid to the DC voltage required to charge the Ford Focus Electric’s batteries. The Ford Focus Electric can be fully charged in a few hours, and the Ford Focus Electric will accomodate 120V and 240V AC power sources.

DC-DC Converter

This converter allows the Ford Focus Electric to charge the onboard 12V battery that powers accessories such as the headlights and radio.