Ford Focus Electric

The new Ford Focus hatchback is an absolutely beautiful small car. The Focus line is about to become even more attractive with the addition of the Focus Electric. Completely replacing gasoline and an internal combustion engine found in normal Focuses (Foci), batteries and electric motors do all the propelling.

The Focus Electric just received the highest ever EPA rating for fuel efficiency at 105 miles per gallon equivalent on the combined city and highway cycle. Miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) is the most recent attempt by the EPA to give consumers an accurate portrayal of how efficient electric cars are compared to their gasoline powered counterparts. The EPA rated it at 110 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway. The Focus Electric’s range is stated to be 76 miles. However, Ford claims that with careful driving the range can be pushed to nearly 100 miles per charge.

These numbers trump the numbers achieved by the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt in all electric mode. The Nissan Leaf was able to achieve 99 MPGe combined and its range is 73 miles. The Chevy Volt was able to achieve 93 MPGe combined, but its range in all electric mode is just 35 miles.

Now, let’s talk prices. The Focus Electric and the Chevy Volt both cost just under $40,000. The base price of a Nissan Leaf is $35,200. The good news is that all of these cars are eligible for a $7,500 dollar tax credit. That makes the actual cost of owning one of these vehicles considerably less than the advertised prices.

So, which is the best choice?

Focus Electric

Pros: Looks like a normal Focus, highest MPGe rating, American company, most practical shape and body style.

Cons: Highest price (tie), Looks like a normal focus (may not shout “I’m Green!” enough for some people), limited range

Leaf

Pros: Lowest Price, Shouts “I’m Green!”

Cons: Limited range, Japanese company, Shouts “I’m Green!”

Volt

Pros: Unlimited range due to range extending gas engine, American company

Cons: Highest Price (tie), 35 miles of electric only range

If you can only afford to have one car, the Chevy Volt is probably the car for you since it won’t stop dead when its batteries deplete. If you can afford to have a second car for long trips or you don’t mind renting a car on occasion, the Ford Focus Electric is an excellent choice. American car companies are stepping up their Green game.