We told you earlier this week that Ford would be bringing is Focus Electric to CES, marking the first time that a major automaker has announced a new model at the electronics expo. Today, Ford officially announced its new electric vehicle that will battle it out with the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. 

Ford still hasn't provided the official range for the Focus Electric, but all signs point to the vehicle having a maximum range of 100 miles on a charge (identical to the Nissan Leaf). The Focus Electric gets its motivation from a 100 kW electric motor (123hp, 181 lb-ft torque), and a 23-kWh lithium-ion battery pack (developed in conjunction with LG Chem).

You wont be breaking any speed records with the Focus Electric as its top speed is limited to “only” 84 mph.

“Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group VP for Global Product Development. "And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs.” 

Ford wasted no time in its press release taking digs at both Nissan's Leaf and Chevrolet’s Volt. Ford notes that the Focus Electric's 240-volt charger will recharge the battery pack within three to four hours (half time required for the Leaf). Ford also states that the Focus Electric will have a higher mpg equivalent than the Volt.

“We’re very excited about the potential of Focus Electric in the marketplace. With so many of us accustomed to recharging mobile electronics on a daily basis, we’re confident our customers will take to the vehicle recharging process just as easily, because that’s exactly what it is – easy,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification.

The Focus Electric will come with a number of standard feature which include MyFord Touch, 17" aluminum wheels, push-button start, and voice-controlled nav system.

A MyFord Mobile app will also be available which will allow you to keep tabs on your Focus Electric. Features available to the app include the ability to:

• Receive instant vehicle status information
• Perform key functions remotely
• Monitor the car’s state of charge and current range
• Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
• Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis 

Ford still isn't ready to spill the beans on pricing for the Focus Electric, but you can be sure that we'll get an earful as we inch closer to the public rollout. Hopefully, the Focus Electric will be price competitive with the Nissan Leaf, which starts at around $32,000.