iSpy: Ford Focus Electric

Exhaust ports are absent and the car's changing port has a small camouflage patch to keep it hidden.

Ford is joining Chevrolet in the push to get practical electric cars on the road very soon - and by soon, we mean on sale in the US by the end of 2011 and in Europe by 2012. Not surprisingly, it looks like the Ford Focus, a sales success for the Blue Oval, will lead the charge and compete with the Chevrolet Volt. Exhaust pipes are conspicuous by their absence and the car's charging port has a small camouflage patch to keep it hidden. A new front fascia to distinguish it from the petrol engine version is also apparent, despite the covers. The electric Focus will use a lithium-ion battery pack from LG Chem and will feature liquid cooling to help performance and lifespan. Ford hopes the driving range will be about 160km.