You will be able to charge the Ford Focus Electric through solar power

Ford and SunPower Offer Solar Power Energy Solution

Yes – we’re not kidding. Ford announced today that it has teamed up with SunPower Corp. to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Ford Focus Electric owners to charge their vehicle with renewable energy to offset electricity usage.

The 2.5 kilowatt SunPower system will produce an estimated 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. SunPower systems are backed by a 25-year warranty.

“Under the ‘Drive Green for Life’ program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “It’s an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives.”

Click here for more news on the Ford Focus Electric.

The system is made up of SunPower’s E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof.

Ford says the system can accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month.

Price for the whole SunPower solar system setup? $10,000.

Refresher: The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is powered by a 100-kilowatt electric-motor with a 23 kWh batter. Working together the system produces 123-hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Ford says that the Focus Electric can travel at a top speed of 84 mph and has a total range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. With the 240-volt home charging station, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric can reach full charge in 3 to 4 hours. On a standard 120-volt outlet, the Focus Electric will take up to 20 hours.

2012 Ford Focus Electric:

   

– By: Omar Rana