Ford announced that its upcoming 2012 Focus Electric will be priced at $39,995 before the current $7500 federal EV tax credit and any additional regional incentives that may apply. That may seem like a lot of money for a Focus—even at the post-credit price—but at least pretty much every creature comfort available on gas-powered Focuses comes standard. That includes a Sony audio system, SYNC infotainment with MyFord Touch and navigation, rear parking sensors, a rear camera, push-button start, and a slick, five-door body that, thankfully, looks nothing like the Nissan Leaf. (Unfortunately for eco-egotists, however, it looks like a lot of other Focuses.) Ford also has launched a Focus Electric configurator, though with only one option—leather seats for $995—there aren’t a lot of decisions to make.
The first markets to gain access to the 2012 Focus Electric are in California and New York/New Jersey, where the car faces the aforementioned Leaf, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and the extended-range Chevrolet Volt. By the time the Focus Electric reaches the other 15 markets in which Ford plans to sell it, there may be others in the EV mix as well. In the meantime, to see how the Focus Electric’s 70-mile estimated range, 23-kWh battery pack, and 123-hp motor stack up against the competition, check out the comparison chart below.
