Ford develops advanced liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery for EV electric cars

When the all-new Ford Focus Electric debuts in the U.S. in late 2011 and in Europe in 2012, it  will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery.  The new design uses  heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and gas-free driving range.

Since we all know what's called range anxiety is a major issue for those of us interested in buying a plug-in EV, this is important news.

Ford Focus electric car will have a lithium-ion battery with an active liquid cooling/heating system

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Heat management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of all-electric vehicles because extreme temperatures - including extreme cold - can affect performance, reliability, safety and durability.

The active liquid cooling and heating system also enables the Focus Electric to automatically precondition the battery pack temperature during daily recharging, says Sherif Marakby, a top executive with Ford's electrification and engineering efforts.  When the vehicle is plugged in to the power grid, the vehicle system will be able to warm up the battery on cold days and cool it down on hot days.

The Focus Electric will be built at Ford's retooled Michigan Assembly Plant.  It  will have an expected range of up to 100 miles and use no gasoline at all.


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Guest Blogger: Evelyn Kanter