Johnson Controls says it will build another EV battery factory

Johnson Controls Inc. will build a second factory to build lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric and plug-in electric vehicles, the company announced Thursday.

A location for the factory has not been announced, the company said in a statement.

“Once a location is identified and the facility constructed, it would add nearly 300 additional jobs when at full capacity,” the company said.

Plans for a new factory were announced as company executives welcomed President Barack Obama to its Meadowbrook factory in Holland, Mich.

Obama said administration policies aimed at reducing oil imports are part of an effort to invest both in research and new technology.

“That’s why we’re investing in clean energy,” he said, according to a transcript provided by the White House. “That’s why I brought together the world’s largest auto companies who agreed, for the first time, to nearly double the distance their cars can go on a gallon of gas. That’s going to save consumers thousands of dollars at the pump.”

For more on Obama's appearance, click here.

The Michigan factory that Obama toured will be the first in the country to produce complete lithium-ion battery cells and systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, producing battery systems for automakers such as Ford’s Transit Connect plug-in electric delivery vans.

Johnson Controls and U.S. stimulus package each invested $299.2 million in the Michigan factory, while the state of Michigan provided $168 million in incentives

The Michigan plant will employ 320 people at full capacity, the company said.

“These projects are great examples of public-private partnerships that use innovation and technology to produce products that reduce fuel consumption and create jobs,” said Steve Roell, company chairman and chief executive, in a statement.

Across the Midwest, Johnson Controls Inc. is adding 700 jobs and retaining another 400 through its investment in advanced lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, Roell said.

"Through innovation and investment in technology and people, Johnson Controls is a leader in the energy storage industry,” he said. “We are investing more than $460 million in our advanced battery business for manufacturing and technical facilities here in Michigan and the U.S. These investments will lead to over 700 new jobs, retention of another 400 and approximately 1,000 construction jobs," Roell said.

In addition to the new factory and the one now opening, the company also recently opened its expanded battery technology and test center in Glendale, which created 60 jobs.

Finally, in June the company announced it would invest $138.5 million at its battery factory in Toledo, to convert it and expand it to produce advanced lead acid batteries that deploy start-stop technology. This technology enables vehicle engines to turn off at intersections, turning back on when the gas pedal is pushed.

A new greenhouse gas and fuel economy program announced last week by the Obama administration will give credits to companies that deploy the start-stop technology, for which Johnson Controls has a leading market share.

The Toledo investment will retain 400 jobs and create 50 jobs, Johnson Controls said.

The investments are part of a plan by Johnson Controls to secure a leadership role in advanced batteries as the automotive industry moves to electrify the vehicle powertrain. The Glendale firm is the world's largest maker of lead-acid batteries, producing them for automakers and for retailers like Sears and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Ford Focus Electric will offer solar home option

Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging.

Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging. 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.

Ford's aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The new Focus Electric is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular global Focus model.

Ford and SunPower Corp have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to "Drive Green for Life" by providing customers with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle.

"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."

"SunPower's innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. "By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles."

The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower® 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. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month.

The complete SunPower solar system is offered at a base price of less than $10,000*, after federal tax credits. Local and state rebates, along with other incentives, may drive the system cost down even more, depending on a customer's location. Included in the purchase is a residential monitoring system, which includes the ability to track the performance of their solar system on the web or through an iPhone application. Affordable financing options for the solar system are available through SunPower. This price point does not include local sales tax.

Interested Focus Electric customers will be contacted by a participating SunPower dealer who will visit their home to begin the installation process. SunPower leads the industry with more than 400 dealers in the U.S., and can support the initial Focus Electric roll out in all 19 markets.

In addition to the Focus Electric, the SunPower rooftop solar system will be compatible with the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Ford is rolling out in 2012.

Two Complementary Charging Solutions for Focus Electric Owners
By partnering with SunPower, Ford now offers Focus Electric owners two complementary charging solutions to make the overall experience of owning an electric vehicle easier. In January, Ford announced an agreement with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to offer a 240-volt home charging station for the Focus Electric and future electric vehicle owners.

"The goal of working with both SunPower and Best Buy was to offer Focus Electric owners solutions to charging needs that help lower the vehicle's overall cost of ownership," said Tinskey.

The Power of Choice

Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

*This offer assumes normal installation conditions, not including modifications to a roof, electrical service panel or excessive wire requirements.

2012 Ford Focus Electric reviews

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is the second mass-market all-electric car. The Ford Focus Electric isn’t the first all-electric small car, nor is it Ford’s first green vehicle, but it’s still important because it represents the automakers’ initiative to produce more eco-friendly cars. The all-electric Nissan Leaf costs almost $33,000 before tax savings, and while Ford hasn’t released pricing information, shoppers should expect the Ford Focus Electric to cost just as much.



Charging with the power cord reportedly extends charging time to about 20 hours. Ford will also offer value charging (in partnership with Microsoft), allowing Ford Focus Electric owners to charge their cars at the cheapest available utility rates, a new version of MyFord Touch specific to electric vehicle customers (with battery charge state, distance to charge point and relevant range equivalents), a MyView feature that includes information on the load of accessories on the powertrain and corresponding impact on range, and is introducing a MyFord Mobile smartphone app to monitor vehicle functions and charge settings.



Ford Focus Electric models for the North American market will be built alongside traditional models at the Wayne, Michigan facility.



We do know that the Focus Electric comes with a lot of tech features that make owning an electric vehicle easier. Going green is attractive, but the Ford Focus Electric isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking at the Ford Focus Electric, there’s only one car that’s a true competitor, and that’s the Nissan Leaf, the first all-electric vehicle that’s relatively affordable. Like the Focus Electric, the Leaf has a 100 mile range in ideal conditions. Right now, owning an electric vehicle isn't ideal for all shoppers.



Ford hasn’t released pricing information, but expect the Ford Focus Electric to cost significantly more than the gasoline power Ford Focus, which starts at $16,720 for the sedan.



There's no longer a Focus Coupe, but there are two beautiful body styles—a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback—from which to choose. The Focus's inherent sportiness extends to its interior, which feels, in top Titanium trim (with upgraded sport seats), more like that of a smart European sport-sedan cabin than a low-priced small car. The base seats in the 2012 Ford Focus are quite good, with better support than those of most other affordable small cars. Prices on the Focus range from $16,995, including destination, for the base 2011 Ford Focus S, up to about $27k for a loaded Titanium. At the top of the line, the Titanium earns you MyFord Touch, an upgraded ten-speaker Sony sound system, HD Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, sport seats, a sport suspension, and sport wheels with summer performance tires.

2012 Ford Explorer Reviews

New 2012 Ford Explorer looks very sporty, and actually promising in the terms of work and performance Ford Explorer is the car that is there from 1990, with intent to replace the smaller car at a time. The safety equipment and features with a few similarity with the previous models, like expected with a lot below the line such as the Ford Explorer 2012. There is not any known improvement designed in 2012 Ford Explorer when compared with previous model.



The 2012 Ford Explorer should remain largely unchanged after its model-year 2011 transformation into a contemporary midsize crossover SUV. The 2012 Explorer will remain a seven-passenger wagon available with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of a V-6 or Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder. Should you wait for the 2012 Ford Explorer or buy the 2011 Ford Explorer? Styling: Don’t expect cosmetic changes to the 2012 Ford Explorer after its total redesign for model year 2011. Size-wise the 2012 Explorer is about mid-pack among three-row midsize SUVs. Traverse beats Explorer for maximum cargo volume with both rear seating rows folded, 116.4 cubic feet to 80.7, though actual passenger volume is much closer.



The 2012 Ford Explorer’s interior treatment is almost certain to be status quo after the 2011 makeover. The standard engine on the 2012 Ford Explorer should again be a 3.5-liter V-6 rated again at an adequately powerful 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Ford says just 20 percent of Explorer buyers had been ordering the V-8 and it pitches the EcoBoost as the engine for fuel economy-minded buyers. The 2012 Ford Explorer will likely continue with a six-speed automatic as its sole transmission. Absent a traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, the 2012 Ford Explorer isn’t intended as a hard-core off-road SUV. Likely to remain standard on every 2012 Explorer is Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system with Roll Stability Control to help prevent rollovers in sudden handling maneuvers. The 2012 Ford Explorer Base model will again come with a CD audio system, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires.



Also standard on the "2012 Ford Explorer Limited" and available on the XLT will be the innovative MyFord Touch control and connectivity technology. Noteworthy options on the 2012 Ford Explorer will again include a dual-panel moonroof and a power liftgate. (Estimated base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s destination fee; Ford’s fee for the 2011 Explorer was $805.)



Expect the 2012 Ford Explorer Base version with front-wheel drive to start at around $29,500. Estimated base price for the 2012 Ford Explorer XLT is $32,500. Estimated starting price for the 2012 Explorer Limited is $41,000. To equip a 2012 Ford Explorer with the EcoBoost four-cylinder expect to pay around $1,000 and to forgo AWD.



Final EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2012 Ford Explorer weren’t available in time for this review. Ford’s estimated rating for the 2011 Explorer model with the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine was 17/25 mpg city/highway and that isn’t expected to change for the 2012 version.

The next full redesign for the Ford Explorer isn’t likely until model-year 2015 or 2016. Ford might also satisfy tightening federal fuel-economy standards by making the four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine, or perhaps even a non-turbo four-cylinder, standard on future Explorers.



It comes in rear-wheel drive or with multiple four-wheel-drive systems, including Jeep’s Selec-Terrain, which is similar to Explorer’s Terrain Management system.

Noticing the ever increasing demand for the exclusively luxurious SUVs, Ford is soon coming up with a new redesign from its engineers – The 2012 Ford Explorer. What’s new for the 2012 Ford Explorer?



2012 Ford Explorer gets a new peppier heart. It is equipped with standard 17 inch steel wheel with the option of 18 inch alloy wheel.

2012 Ford Explorer comes with two kinds of mechanisms. The front wheel drive mechanism is additionally capable of maintaining traction on slippery roads. The uni-body design with front wheel drive mechanism improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

University of Michigan and Ford researchers see plentiful lithium for EVs

Researchers from the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Co. have assessed the global availability of lithium and compared it to the potential demand from large-scale global use of electric vehicles. The research findings, published in the current issue of the Journal of Industrial Ecology, conclude that sufficient resources of lithium exist for the next 90 years to supply a large-scale global fleet of electric vehicles through at least 2100.

The researchers compiled data on 103 deposits containing lithium, with an emphasis on 32 deposits that have a lithium resource of more than 100,000 metric tons each. Lithium is a key ingredient in the development of certain types of batteries, and is a key element of batteries used in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

The data collected included deposit location, geologic type, dimensions and content of lithium, as well as the current status of production. Using the definition of a lithium "resource" as a deposit from which production is currently or potentially feasible economically, the researchers estimated a global lithium resource of about 39 million tons.

The second part of the study examined lithium demand for the same 90-year period (2010-2100). Demand was estimated under the assumption of two different growth scenarios for electric vehicles and other current battery and non-battery applications.

Areas studied related to demand were lubricating grease, frits and glass, air conditioning and portable batteries, as well as batteries for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles. The total demand for lithium was estimated to be in the range of 12-20 million tons, depending on assumptions regarding economic growth and recycling rates.

"Even with a rapid and widespread adoption of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, lithium resources are sufficient to support demand until at least the end of this century," the researchers conclude in the paper.

The study's main authors were Paul Gruber and Pablo Medina. They conducted the research as part of a graduate student research project before graduating in 2010 from the U-M School of Natural Resources and Environment. The research partner was Ford Motor Co., the global automobile manufacturer based in Dearborn, Mich.

"We believe our assessment is a timely and comprehensive study that settles the question of whether the global resources are sufficient for electric vehicles using lithium-ion technology," said Gruber.

Other co-authors were U-M professors Gregory Keoleian of SNRE and Stephen Kesler, a professor emeritus of geological sciences, and two researchers from Ford: Mark Everson, the technical leader of the Manufacturing and Purchasing Strategy research group, and Timothy Wallington, technical leader of the Sustainability Science research group at Ford's Research and Innovation Center.

Ford Focus Electric Will Hit 19 Markets in Spring of 2012

Ford today clarified launch plans for its forthcoming Focus Electric, saying that the despite reports to the contrary the car has not in fact been pushed back and will see a limited release in New York and California as scheduled, by the end of this year.

“Ford remains on schedule to deliver the initial Focus Electrics by the end of the year. As previously communicated to dealers, the first few months of Focus Electric production will be concentrated on delivering vehicles to California and New York. Our dealers in those areas will be the first to have their retail orders scheduled and receive the Focus Electric. We will be rolling out to the remainder of the initial Focus Electric markets starting with production ramp up in Spring 2012.”

Ford Fiesta Centura special edition

Ford UK have revealed a Limited Edition Fiesta – the Ford Fiesta Centura – to mark Ford’s centenary in the UK. 1,000 Centuras to be built.



Based on the Ford Fiesta Zetec, the Centura features extras totalling £600 including Metallic Panther Black paint, chrome mirrors and door caps, 16-inch seven spoke alloys and LED day running lights up front. There's also rear parking sensors and a parking camera mounted in the rear view mirror.



The car is powered by the 1.25-litre 82PS petrol engine, which is exempt from vehicle excise duty in the first year.



Only 1.000 units of the Fiesta Centura special editions will be available, in two versions, three-door for 13.395 pounds and five-door for 13.995 pounds. Wanting to resemble with the Ford Model T, the manufacturer is offering the special edition of the Fiesta only in black.









Press Release





NEW FORD FIESTA "CENTURA" CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SUCCESS IN BRITAIN

• New special edition Ford Fiesta "Centura" marks 100 years of Ford in Britain
• Adds £600 of extras including LED daytime running lights
• 1,000 to go on sale at the end of August, priced from £13,395
• 1.25-litre 82PS petrol engine
• Available exclusively in Panther Black metallic

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 8 August, 2011 – Britain's best-selling small car, the Ford Fiesta, continues to expand its appeal with the launch of an exciting new special edition, the "Centura", which builds on the most popular model and engine choice in the UK.



The Centura celebrates the 100th anniversary of Ford in Britain, and, available exclusively in black, it pays tribute to the first Ford vehicles to be manufactured in the UK, the Model T in 1911.



Based on the Ford Fiesta Zetec, the Centura boasts a comprehensive list of additional standard equipment valued at £600, including metallic Panther Black paint, chrome mirror and door caps, LED daylight running lights, 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, reverse parking sensors and a parking camera mounted in the rear view mirror.



Just 1,000 Ford Fiesta Centura special editions will be available, priced at £13,395 for the three-door version and £13,995 for the five-door. The Ford Fiesta remains the UK's best-selling car with 52,327 sold in the first half of this year.



Anthony Ireson, marketing director, Ford of Britain, said: "Fiesta has been a UK favourite its entire lifetime and it was a natural choice to use this great icon to help mark our centenary. With a unique specification and affordable price, the Centura will appeal to thousands of customers, and we anticipate strong demand – who knows it might even become a collector's car one day!"



The Ford Fiesta Centura 1.25-litre 82PS petrol engine is exempt from vehicle excise duty in the first year.

Transit Connect Electric Vans enter Oxford to London Eco Rally

Two Transit Connect Electric vans have successfully completed a 75-mile route from Oxford to London in a convoy of electric, hybrid and low-emission vehicles, as part of the 2011 Bridgestone Eco Rally.

The rally took place on Sunday 31st July, this year starting from Broad Street, Oxford and finishing in the UK's largest sustainable transport exhibition at The Mall in London.

The convoy comprised more than 30 of the latest low and zero emission vehicles including cars, motorbikes, vans, trucks and taxis.

Graham Hoare, executive director powertrain engineering, Ford of Europe, said: "Ford is developing a portfolio of electric vehicles that offer customers affordable, environmentally friendly technologies in vehicles they want and value. The Bridgestone Eco-Rally is a great opportunity to showcase the first of these vehicles to go on sale, the Transit Connect Electric."

The Transit Connect Electric, developed in conjunction with Ford's electric vehicles partner, Azure Dynamics, is the first of five electrified Ford models to be made available in Europe. It is a pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle. It has a proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drivetrain powered by an advanced battery pack from Johnson Controls, carrying a range of up to 80 miles with a payload of up to 500kg.

Ford has committed to introduce five full-electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2013 as part of its global electrification strategy. These include the Transit Connect Electric this year, the next generation Ford Focus Electric in 2012, followed by hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives of the all-new C-MAX and another hybrid-electric model in 2013.

How It Works: The All-Electric Ford Focus [video]

Ford have released a short video animation of The Focus Electric. The car runs exclusively on a 23 kWh battery, which means it never needs a drop of gas.

- Powered by a 23 kwh high-voltage, lightweight lithium-ion battery system.
- Regenerative Braking captures energy during braking and recycles it to recharge the battery.
- Charges with the available 240-volt charging station or standard 120-volt convenience cord