As the fully electric, zero emissions 2012 Ford Focus Electric gets closer and closer to its debut, Ford is scrambling to make sure it will be the best EV available. One of the most important aspects about the Focus Electric will be the in-dash display which provides details on the vehicle’s vitals such as battery charge, distance, near by charging stations and the price associated. In order to make sure this display is just right, Ford has created a detailed simulator so that potential customers can experience what it would be like to drive a Focus Electric.
So far, nearly 30 consumers have sampled the simulator which takes drivers through an eleven mile course with various obstacles. Set up just like the Focus Electric’s interior, the simulator features the main display screens that Ford hopes will make it into production. According to Ford, the gauge design was given the ‘thumbs up’ and the display is so far well understood. Some feedback was received on the user interface, which Ford says they have put into consideration.
Drivers mentioned that the section that displayed the regenerative braking (the Brake Coach) was too complex. Because of this, engineers simplified the section to show just the amount of energy being restored instead of the energy lost because of friction. And when you buy your Focus Electric and notice butterflies representing the additional range beyond a charging point, you can thank the participants of the simulator.
The 2012 Ford Focus Electric should be seen in showrooms later this year.
Source: Ford
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