The New Fuel Efficient Ford Focus

By Keir Gibson

Ford has always stood for excellence and providing great value for drivers, and when it comes to efficiency none of its competitors can stand up to the 80 MPG which Ford promises from the Focus Econetic, along with 95g/km emissions. This means that your costs on the road are greatly less, as the car is exempt from the money draining London Congestion Charge and road tax. The Ford Focus Econetic was recently on show at the Amsterdam Motor Show and will roll out for sale at the start of 2012.

The new Focus 1.6 Duratorq TDCi which gives drivers an impressive 74.2 MPG, Ford have said that the new ECOnetic Focus is an enhanced incarnation of this diesel but engineered to get better fuel efficiency which is also supported by a new injection system and turbo charger. The new ford focus has some fantastic new features, including the highly acclaimed Ford Auto-Start-Stop; which switches off the engine when your car is stationary then re-starts the moment you are ready to go, this has been seen in a lot of recent models. It will also keep your in-car systems running such as your sound system and air-con. This is more suited to the inner city driver who Ford claim will save 10% alone on their fuel costs.

Econetic Savings

Other features include an intelligent power-assisted steering system (EPAS) that activates only when required thereby reducing its intake and improving fuel economy. Ford's Shift Indicator is a simple yet creative feature that tells you when it's more energy efficient for changing gear, and ultra-low rolling tyres pay compliment to these eco-credentials. What really stands out is the smart way that Ford have reduced emissions by a full 2%. An Active Grille Shutter system controls air intake electronically through opening and closing vents when air is needed or not for cooling. As the vents are closed more often than not the reduction in drag pushes Fords green reputation through the roof.

The Ford Faithful may be queuing up already registering interest with local dealers in the 3rd generation Ford Focus Econetic. However sceptics and cash-conscious drivers could be swayed if the car lives up to its energy efficiency and environmental claims. With increased fuel and insurance costs and the ever growing influence of the green movement, the race is still on for an all-round cost-effective hatchback and estate. For now though, the Ford Focus Econetic is crossing the finish line in pole position.

A lot of drivers complain about inner city driving being very costly but you can still be fuel efficient driving in urban areas, for example if you are driving your Ford Focus in Manchester then it is a great idea to try to combine small trips into one journey to avoid making these costly short trips all the time... just a quick tip to keep your costs down!

The Car People, http://www.thecarpeople.co.uk/, can help give you tips on keeping your fuel costs down and helping you drive more efficiently. Find used cars at there dealership in Manchester, Wakefield and Sheffield.

Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle with Ford Automotive Replacement Parts at Parts Train

By Jenny McLane


The Focus FCV is one of the industry's first hybridized fuel cell vehicles combining the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell.

Using a fuel cell powertrain supplied by Ballard Power Systems, the world leader in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, the FCV is hybridized with the addition of a nickel metal–hydride battery pack and a brake-by-wire electro-hydraulic series regenerative braking system. The fuel cell engine converts chemical energy into electric energy using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from air. The electric energy then powers the vehicle's electric drive motor, producing only water vapor and heat as by-products.

Just like Honda's Insight and Civic hybrids, the new battery 'assists' the main powerplant by adding extra power when accelerating or climbing hills, and is charged by regenerative braking system when braking or decelerating. Of course, the Civic and Insight use a small gasoline internal combustion engine instead of a fuel cell, but the principle is the same.

“This Focus FCV is the most sophisticated environmental vehicle Ford has developed,” said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Ford Motor Company vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. “As such, is a critical success in our long-term strategy to move toward high volume production of hydrogen powered cars and trucks.”

The Focus FCV has onboard sensors, which constantly monitor the fuel cell stack, trunk and the passenger compartment. If trace amounts of hydrogen are detected, the system will warn the driver. If a slightly higher level is detected, the system will transition to a limited operating strategy and then begin shutting down vehicle operations.

Its new battery pack, regenerative braking system and improved hydrogen gas storage tank help increase the driving range of the four-passenger Focus FCV to between 250 km (160 miles) and 320 km (200 miles) - about 30% better than the previous version,

The new Hydrogen Storage Tank Technology in the Focus FCV stores four kilograms of hydrogen, which is equivalent to four gallons of gasoline. It also features an in-tank pressure regulator, which lowers the pressure so the gas leaves the tank at approximately 150 psi to work its way through the fuel cell.

Ford is working closely within the industry and with fuel providers to help develop government codes and standards for a hydrogen-fuelling infrastructure and to help improve the commercial viability of fuel cell technology by bringing all stakeholders together in an effort to eliminate barriers to mass production and implementation.

"The launch of this Ford fuel cell demonstration fleet, together with the previously announced DaimlerChrysler deployments of cars, vans, and buses powered with Ballard® fuel cells clearly demonstrates the strength and leadership of our fuel cell alliance," said Dennis Campbell, president and Chief Executive Officer, Ballard. "This unique collaboration between Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Ballard Power Systems is fielding the most extensive fuel cell vehicle demonstration ever undertaken.

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