Ford Focus electric conversion by Genovation
Genovation Cars of Rockville, Maryland, is offering a low-budget alternative to those who want a conventional-looking electric vehicle, but without dishing out the dough for a Volt or a Tesla.
Run by Andrew Saul, Genovation Cars modifies pre-owned 2000-2004 Ford Focus sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks, removing their internal combustion powertrains and replacing them with complete electric drive components.
The conversion, called the Genovation G1, costs $22,000 plus tax, with the vehicle delivered five months after ordering. The process starts with a $2,500 down payment, and a clean accident-free Focus has to be supplied by the customer. Otherwise the company will provide a Focus base car for $6,000 if a customer does not want to hunt for a used Focus.
AGM lead-acid batteries are used, although there is the option of upgrading to lithium iron phosphate batteries for an additional $12,000. Genovation says that a plug-in hybrid option will be available in the future. The company also says it will offer a four-seat G2 hatchback constructed of ‘green’ composites and other renewable materials in 2011.
The Focus G1 is not exactly cheap, but it is a step in the right direction until the larger manufacturers get their act together.