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The Battery-Driven Car Just Got a Lot More Normal

The New York Times -- CRITICS of electric vehicles say they are too expensive and lack sufficient driving range. But I wonder if those gripes would disappear if the E.V.’s on sale weren’t so — let’s not mince words — homely. I adore my all-electric Nissan Leaf, but its wide rear end, bulging headlights and odd proportions evoke a Japanese gizmo aesthetic that doesn’t necessarily appeal to mainstream American car buyers.

Enter the handsome 2012 Ford Focus Electric, the first all-electric car from an American automaker in the 21st century. Ford will begin selling the electric version of the new Focus in the next few weeks in California, New York and New Jersey, followed by 19 additional markets in the fall.

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Submitted May 05, 2012 By: fordfreak

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honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,834 Points:1,638,195 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 7, 2012 4:50:44 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse it's still not getting the range and I can't charge it during the day, so I won't get back home. Until there's a longer range, EVs are out of my range (in miles and in cost).
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:7,083 Points:2,144,190 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:08:36 PM Ignore remay Report Abuse range (of the vehicle) and infrastructure mean everything. Look at the Prius. Is it REALLY an attractive vehicle?
NedW Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:5,755 Points:1,168,970 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 4:57:26 AM Ignore NedW Report Abuse "If you put lip stick on a pig..."
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:33,605 Points:2,374,185 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 2:13:13 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Battery-Driven a Lot More Normal? It does Not matter what Brand or Model it is, Inbreds and EV's are too high priced for me. With the high price of purchasing a new EV or Inbred, I will drive my current vehicle into the ground before buying anything new, used, EV, Inbred, diesel, hydrogen, alternative fuel, CNG, concept or anything else. Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, Produce and ‘Drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. Consider using other forms of less expensive transportation to lower your cost, if possible. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012!
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,214 Points:576,480 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:45:09 AM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse Good for Ford, nice to see, made in USA. But the first American made, umm how about the GM EV-1, or how about the first car ever was battery operated and made in America, true it is mentioned 21st century but we have only 12 yrs in the 21st century. Gee, I made my first steak in America since last week. :-)
ammamama13 Rookie Author California Posts:96 Points:68,285 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:04:58 AM Ignore ammamama13 Report Abuse ok
alterman156 Champion Author New York Posts:7,630 Points:1,585,225 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:59:41 PM Ignore alterman156 Report Abuse Good idea from Ford. Hopefully the range can be increased as technology allows.
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,859 Points:760,515 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:54:15 PM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse Still a bit pricey, but would be ideal for my 7 mi commute to work
JimL1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:8,319 Points:1,259,470 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:50:23 PM Ignore JimL1 Report Abuse It is about time for Ford to try to catch up with the rest of the world.
sydb7 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,657 Points:1,941,890 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:48:15 PM Ignore sydb7 Report Abuse ok
cmsense Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,358 Points:165,345 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:46:22 PM Ignore cmsense Report Abuse Battery technology will provide the tipping point, R&D will make it happen. TIGERPAW46 "Current govt. Black Balls petroleum and coal"-NEWSFLASH!!! THE ENERGY INDUSTRY IS RUNNING THIS GOVT. [Edited by: cmsense at 5/6/2012 12:50:02 AM EST]
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,241 Points:1,380,370 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:46:16 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse WRONG, not just what we need. So you have a nicer looking too expensive short range vehicle. You still have batteries using Rare Earth Elements we have to be dependent on Foreign Countries to purchase. An Electric Grid system in the USA that can hardly supply the current Electricity. A grid that will take Billions of dollars & 60 + yrs. before it can supply energy to about 60% of the people at todays energy demand which likely will be higher need by then & therefore less than 60% of the need by then. Meanwhile Electricity cost will soar, not only to recharge vehicle batteries, but home & business Electricity also. While the Current Government black balls Petroleum & Coal, our least expensive means of Generating that Electricity. Also they want Carbon Taxes on both in addition to every other way they can push those prices high enough to match Solar or Wind cost to generatye electricity. Oh yea let's not forget using our tax dollars to supplement sales by rebates for the few, while the majority are footing the bill. [Edited by: TIGERPAW46 at 5/6/2012 12:46:38 AM EST]
TheGaseous1 Rookie Author Houston Posts:59 Points:12,710 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:45:56 PM Ignore TheGaseous1 Report Abuse "It's Electric!" -the commercial theme song, Electric Slide... right?! http://youtu.be/JFMtBibwrgY
malfrog1 Champion Author South Bend Posts:2,341 Points:577,685 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:43:31 PM Ignore malfrog1 Report Abuse get the price down
Matt G Champion Author Boston Posts:4,673 Points:2,800,740 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:37:13 PM Ignore Matt G Report Abuse Good
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:5,609 Points:800,300 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:33:24 PM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse But there is no suitable infrastructure. Without it, all people cannot own electric vehicles, only those who own homes or have their cars garaged with access to an electric outlet.
papa56NC All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:725 Points:142,760 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:31:51 PM Ignore papa56NC Report Abuse I don't think so.
BWJM Champion Author KW Posts:1,113 Points:303,780 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:30:09 PM Ignore BWJM Report Abuse ok
philthethrill Champion Author Hamilton Posts:9,870 Points:1,631,405 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:29:51 PM Ignore philthethrill Report Abuse sounds like the right way to do it
miser709 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,268 Points:1,094,825 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:29:41 PM Ignore miser709 Report Abuse Electric cars are not the answer.
bbigred Veteran Author Lansing Posts:428 Points:298,620 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:29:22 PM Ignore bbigred Report Abuse EV's are not for the economy-minded or the poor...way too expensive
jdc17327 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:2,582 Points:199,730 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:28:00 PM Ignore jdc17327 Report Abuse okay...I have mixed feelings also about these cars.
GasholeMI Champion Author Lansing Posts:10,279 Points:1,745,990 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:27:52 PM Ignore GasholeMI Report Abuse I am not a naysayer but I do look at results. So far the results are mostly hype and I would not buy one. Does anyone remember the wankel engine that was supposed to revelutionize car engines?
Rageagainsttm Champion Author Tampa Posts:8,427 Points:1,928,860 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:27:17 PM Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse ok
fsuford Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:14,558 Points:2,850,850 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:25:15 PM Ignore fsuford Report Abuse There are lots of naysayers, but I do think that the technology will improve and it will be a great alternative. Go Ford!
jem069 Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,684 Points:715,755 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:23:30 PM Ignore jem069 Report Abuse Ok
gus8441 Champion Author Baltimore Posts:2,249 Points:470,200 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:22:00 PM Ignore gus8441 Report Abuse not for me
Lenguado Champion Author Orlando Posts:17,883 Points:3,090,765 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:21:53 PM Ignore Lenguado Report Abuse 350 miles per charge, that takes about 5 minutes!?!?!??! Really???? What? NO. Oh well. Never mind...
frostyWV Champion Author West Virginia Posts:2,339 Points:519,235 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:20:25 PM Ignore frostyWV Report Abuse still isn't gonna help.
LCSTEELERBOB Champion Author Gary Posts:2,961 Points:720,580 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:20:23 PM Ignore LCSTEELERBOB Report Abuse WILL IT EVER BE A NORMAL RIDE
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:7,134 Points:1,268,460 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:20:20 PM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse The EV is not for me.
bobdec Champion Author Miami Posts:9,104 Points:1,797,520 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:19:49 PM Ignore bobdec Report Abuse Will never work for me
chuckwthompson Champion Author Charlotte Posts:3,895 Points:604,885 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:19:43 PM Ignore chuckwthompson Report Abuse Good luck with that. Let me know how that works out for you!
OilOnTheCheap Champion Author Ventura Posts:2,260 Points:477,960 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:18:22 PM Ignore OilOnTheCheap Report Abuse Ford is on the right track. However, the range needs to increase and the base price needs to decrease for me to consider purchasing one.
Bigwaynef Champion Author South Carolina Posts:11,681 Points:2,109,410 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:17:10 PM Ignore Bigwaynef Report Abuse They're great for the golf courses...
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,626 Points:2,130,690 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:15:30 PM Ignore Zonk Report Abuse I am negative on the EV until it will deliver 300 miles per charge minimum.
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:4,041 Points:800,945 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:14:20 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse Could be...
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:17,750 Points:3,520,455 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:13:35 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse Still too limited range. If it can't go 500 miles on a charge I am not interested. If it cost more than $20K; I am not interested.
kenji554 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:1,217 Points:533,820 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:13:22 PM Ignore kenji554 Report Abuse Ok.
umitb Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:3,829 Points:872,115 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:13:05 PM Ignore umitb Report Abuse ok
crreed1 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:2,105 Points:2,551,690 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:12:26 PM Ignore crreed1 Report Abuse good
HKL All-Star Author Wilmington Posts:639 Points:359,430 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:11:08 PM Ignore HKL Report Abuse ok
jrschl Champion Author Louisville Posts:3,107 Points:708,765 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:11:06 PM Ignore jrschl Report Abuse I agree with heartbroke 2010.
pastorpaulcg Champion Author Virginia Posts:3,615 Points:775,785 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:10:31 PM Ignore pastorpaulcg Report Abuse Ok
big_mac64 Champion Author Tennessee Posts:10,600 Points:1,490,130 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:09:56 PM Ignore big_mac64 Report Abuse Gotta love Ford!
BEGTWO Champion Author Maryland Posts:2,077 Points:751,315 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:09:34 PM Ignore BEGTWO Report Abuse COOL!
LadyBugNIL Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,813 Points:644,520 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:08:53 PM Ignore LadyBugNIL Report Abuse send to China,
rawdog1313 Champion Author Lexington Posts:3,444 Points:1,671,480 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:08:39 PM Ignore rawdog1313 Report Abuse I'm all for it........just make them affordable.
pyndasky Champion Author Maryland Posts:10,149 Points:1,810,480 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:08:37 PM Ignore pyndasky Report Abuse EV's are an option for high mileage commuters, but for low mileage drivers its tough to justify the additional purchase price even if its amortized over the life of the vehicle....
SilliesRock Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,246 Points:1,188,175 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 5, 2012 11:08:29 PM Ignore SilliesRock Report Abuse He loves his Nissan Leaf and writes for the NY Times. Translation: he is a turd.