Consumers help ensure MyFord Touch will be enhanced for Ford Focus Electric

Ford Focus Electric - MyFord Touch

Ford is giving its engineers the opportunity to get some feedback from consumers on development of the Ford Focus Electrics in-dash display. Driving simulations were used for MyFord Touch display enhancements, to be featured in the car.

The simulator provided two 4.2 -inch LCD screens in full-color, with a speedometer in between. Information displayed includes battery life, distance to charge, and an estimated budget and range.

Paul Aldighieri, HMI engineer, says the testing is because “These screens are an integral part of Focus Electric and we thought the best way to make sure they would do their job is to have people come in and try them out for themselves. The only true way to get a feel for what the screens are telling the driver is actually getting behind the wheel.”

Taking the ‘driver’ through what they might experience on any regular trip in their car, the simulator goes on an 11-mile circuit, and has been tested by almost 30 people so far. Updates that have been made as a result of the feedback have been implemented and well received, so far.

Features include easily identifiable information on range, charge points, and destinations, graphic displays featuring butterflies, and a customizable MyView option, that allows drivers to display a combination of information as they choose.

Click here for more news on the Ford Focus Electric.

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: Alexandra Koken