SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – DENSO’s new inline electric compressor will make its global debut on Ford Motor Co.’s Focus Electric, which began production this past December with retail production ramping up the first half of the year. The inline e-compressor will also appear on the Fusion and C-MAX Hybrids and Energi Plug-in Hybrids, due to hit North American roads in 2012.

DENSO’s inline e-compressor is smaller, lighter and quieter than previous generations. Despite a decrease in weight and size, the inline e-compressor maintains the same cooling capacity as the previous generation while consuming less power, according to the company. This means it pulls less juice from the battery and helps extend the lithium ion battery range when the air-conditioning (A/C) is running. Also, for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), the e-compressor helps make the car less reliant on the internal combustion engine on days when you flip on the A/C switch, DENSO says.

Not only does the inline e-compressor keep the cabin cool, but it also can cool the lithium-ion battery to help it maintain an optimal temperature. This helps control the temperature of the lithium ion, which improves the battery’s range and overall longevity.

For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com.