Learn how an all-electric vehicle works.

Ford Motor Company has announced first markets that will sell the Focus Electric, Ford’s first all-electric, zero CO2-emissions passenger car.

The first markets selected for Ford Focus Electric: Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

The Focus Electric initial markets were chosen based on several different criteria including existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification. As part of the collaboration with dealers, utilities and local governments, Ford will help develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support customers’ needs.

Last month, Ford launched a new educational Web site on electric vehicles (http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/). The site offers video, text and diagrams to help consumers understand differences in the technologies of electrified vehicles.

Focus Electric, available in late 2011, will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Production will occur on the same line as the gasoline version of the Focus. Using an existing vehicle platform and assembly line will give Ford the ability to vary production based on demand for the Focus Electric.

Instead of a traditional gas engine, the Focus Electric’s motor will be powered by a 23 kwh lithium-ion battery. The system utilizes liquid heating and cooling system to maximize battery life and driving range.

Collaboration between Ford and local authorities

Ford has been working with local government agencies and utilities in several of the selected markets to help prepare for the adoption of electric vehicles. Efforts focus on development of consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as shared information on charging needs and requirements to allow for ease of consumer charging and to ensure the electrical grid can support the necessary additional demand.

As part of its electrification outreach, Ford has been conducting the “Charging Into the Future: The Ford Electric Vehicle Tour.” The 14-city tour promotes Ford’s electric vehicle strategy and educates consumers about what to expect from electrified automobiles and what is needed from the public and private sector to support this new technology.

Ford also will launch five new electrified vehicles in Europe and North America. In addition to Focus Electric, Ford will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van, two next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. The range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to address a variety of consumer driving needs.

Support for alternative commuting transportation also assists in LEED certification for commercial buildings, educational institutions and governmental organizations.

Duo-Gard bike shelters.

Duo-Gard Industries Inc., a provider of translucent daylighting, architectural illumination and specialty structures, has a new line of custom and standard bike shelters. Made with polycarbonate panels to provide UV protection, Duo-Gard’s bike shelters can withstand intense environmental conditions associated with rain or snow. With aesthetically appealing designs, the bike shelters are assisting buildings in achieving LEED certification by supporting alternative commuting transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions.

Ideally suited for corporate campuses, government organizations and educational institutions, Duo-Gard’s bike shelters serve as a cost-effective solution for city planners, landscape architects and specifiers looking to enhance building sustainability and design. Duo-Gard designs, manufactures and installs its bike shelters, which can be comprised of 20 percent recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable. The bike shelters feature either standard lighting or solar LEDs/PVs.

“Our bike shelters allow us to bring prominence to alternative transportation and to support the growth of green building by assisting in the LEED certification process,” said Michael Arvidson, executive vice president of Duo-Gard. “For over 25 years, our mission has been to provide our customers with contemporary solutions that utilize our advanced polycarbonate technology. Our bike shelters help deliver on our sustainable commitment and provide architects with versatile, visually appealing design options.”

Duo-Gard’s bike shelters are easy to install and can be designed as open, attached or fully-enclosed structures and feature custom glazing as well as multiple color framing selections. Additional options include bike racks, lean rails, seating and the incorporation of Duo-Gard’s 3S Solar Block coating, which reduces heat loads.

About Duo-Gard Industries:

Duo-Gard Industries Inc. is a leading innovator in high-performance translucent daylighting systems, illuminated walls and ceilings, as well as custom canopies, shelters and outdoor structures. For over 25 years, Duo-Gard has continued to advance its polycarbonate technology to assist in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of custom architectural products that strive to increase sustainability. Duo-Gard was established in 1984 and is based in Canton,Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.duo-gard.com.