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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:18,623 Points:1,609,520 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 7, 2012 5:50:44 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:6,963 Points:2,117,390 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 1:08:36 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:5,614 Points:1,142,245 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 5:57:26 AM Ignore NedW Report Abuse "If you put lip stick on a pig..."
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:33,011 Points:2,345,510 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 3:13:13 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:556,230 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 1:45:09 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 1:04:58 AM Ignore ammamama13 Report Abuse ok
alterman156 Champion Author New York Posts:7,485 Points:1,556,775 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:59:41 AM Ignore alterman156 Report Abuse Good idea from Ford. Hopefully the range can be increased as technology allows.
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,713 Points:731,840 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:54:15 AM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse Still a bit pricey, but would be ideal for my 7 mi commute to work
JimL1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:8,217 Points:1,241,520 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:50:23 AM 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:3,557 Points:1,919,755 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:48:15 AM Ignore sydb7 Report Abuse ok
cmsense Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,358 Points:165,345 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:46:22 AM 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:7,126 Points:1,355,680 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:46:16 AM 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 6, 2012 12:45:56 AM Ignore TheGaseous1 Report Abuse "It's Electric!" -the commercial theme song, Electric Slide... right?! http://youtu.be/JFMtBibwrgY
malfrog1 Champion Author South Bend Posts:2,201 Points:549,985 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:43:31 AM Ignore malfrog1 Report Abuse get the price down
Matt G Champion Author Boston Posts:4,533 Points:2,773,040 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:37:13 AM Ignore Matt G Report Abuse Good
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:5,609 Points:800,300 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:33:24 AM 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 6, 2012 12:31:51 AM 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 6, 2012 12:30:09 AM Ignore BWJM Report Abuse ok
philthethrill Champion Author Hamilton Posts:9,668 Points:1,604,010 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:29:51 AM Ignore philthethrill Report Abuse sounds like the right way to do it
miser709 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,268 Points:1,069,925 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:29:41 AM Ignore miser709 Report Abuse Electric cars are not the answer.
bbigred Veteran Author Lansing Posts:427 Points:297,950 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:29:22 AM Ignore bbigred Report Abuse EV's are not for the economy-minded or the poor...way too expensive
jdc17327 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:2,555 Points:197,690 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:28:00 AM Ignore jdc17327 Report Abuse okay...I have mixed feelings also about these cars.
GasholeMI Champion Author Lansing Posts:10,134 Points:1,717,315 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:27:52 AM 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:8,303 Points:1,902,980 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:27:17 AM Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse ok
fsuford Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:14,429 Points:2,823,745 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:25:15 AM 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:2,538 Points:687,080 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:23:30 AM Ignore jem069 Report Abuse Ok
gus8441 Champion Author Baltimore Posts:2,114 Points:442,825 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:22:00 AM Ignore gus8441 Report Abuse not for me
Lenguado Champion Author Orlando Posts:17,699 Points:3,064,040 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:21:53 AM 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 6, 2012 12:20:25 AM Ignore frostyWV Report Abuse still isn't gonna help.
LCSTEELERBOB Champion Author Gary Posts:2,961 Points:720,130 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:20:23 AM Ignore LCSTEELERBOB Report Abuse WILL IT EVER BE A NORMAL RIDE
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:6,989 Points:1,239,785 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:20:20 AM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse The EV is not for me.
bobdec Champion Author Miami Posts:8,964 Points:1,769,820 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:19:49 AM Ignore bobdec Report Abuse Will never work for me
chuckwthompson Champion Author Charlotte Posts:3,755 Points:577,185 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:19:43 AM Ignore chuckwthompson Report Abuse Good luck with that. Let me know how that works out for you!
OilOnTheCheap Champion Author Ventura Posts:2,097 Points:450,160 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:18:22 AM 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:11,472 Points:2,080,760 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:17:10 AM Ignore Bigwaynef Report Abuse They're great for the golf courses...
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,481 Points:2,102,765 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:15:30 AM 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:3,896 Points:772,270 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:14:20 AM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse Could be...
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:17,620 Points:3,494,705 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:13:35 AM 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:512,870 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:13:22 AM Ignore kenji554 Report Abuse Ok.
umitb Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:3,681 Points:844,415 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:13:05 AM Ignore umitb Report Abuse ok
crreed1 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:1,985 Points:2,526,335 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:12:26 AM Ignore crreed1 Report Abuse good
HKL All-Star Author Wilmington Posts:639 Points:359,430 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:11:08 AM Ignore HKL Report Abuse ok
jrschl Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,967 Points:681,065 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:11:06 AM 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 6, 2012 12:10:31 AM Ignore pastorpaulcg Report Abuse Ok
big_mac64 Champion Author Tennessee Posts:10,593 Points:1,485,690 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:09:56 AM Ignore big_mac64 Report Abuse Gotta love Ford!
BEGTWO Champion Author Maryland Posts:1,937 Points:723,315 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:09:34 AM Ignore BEGTWO Report Abuse COOL!
LadyBugNIL Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,765 Points:638,370 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:08:53 AM Ignore LadyBugNIL Report Abuse send to China,
rawdog1313 Champion Author Lexington Posts:3,299 Points:1,642,805 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:08:39 AM Ignore rawdog1313 Report Abuse I'm all for it........just make them affordable.
pyndasky Champion Author Maryland Posts:10,000 Points:1,781,805 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:08:37 AM 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:2,188 Points:1,162,865 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 12:08:29 AM Ignore SilliesRock Report Abuse He loves his Nissan Leaf and writes for the NY Times. Translation: he is a turd.