Ford’s first all-electric passenger vehicle, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric, has earned a top vehicle safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The new EV earned a top five-star safety score in combined frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollovers.
"As more people shop for electrified vehicles, the Focus Electric now offers both a top vehicle safety rating from NHTSA and a faster-charging technology that allows it to fully recharge in three to four hours," said Steve Kenner, global director of the Ford Automotive Safety Office.
The Focus Electric is standard with front and side airbags and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. The driver's airbag uses a unique curve-shaped tether system that creates a "pocket" to lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver's chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Innovative side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open, reducing pressure for smaller occupants, including children.
More than 900 Ford dealers are being certified to sell plug-in electrified vehicles, including Focus Electric, more than ten times the number of Ford EV dealers in February 2012. The spike in electric vehicle-certified Ford dealers reflects increased demand for the company's electrified vehicles.
Ford's share of the electrified vehicle market is now second behind only Toyota.
Please also read these Green Car Examiner articles on Ford energy-efficient vehicles -
Ford C-Max hybrids outsell Toyota Prius Hybrids
Ford EcoBoost engine gets top ratings for trucks, passenger vehicles
The conventional gas engine 2013 Ford Focus also earned a NHTSA five-star safety score.
Find more green car and green travel articles by Green Car Examiner Evelyn Kanter on ecoXplorer and AutoblogGreen.
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