It seems the battle to claim the title of “most efficient” has kicked off in earnest, with Ford announcing a 105 miles per gallon equivalent EPA combined rating for the Ford Focus Electric. The city rating for the car is 110 MPGe, with a highway rating of 99 MPGe. The company is quick to point out that this is six miles per gallon better than its closest rival, the Nissan Leaf.
Additionally, Ford didn’t waste any time pointing out some of the other competitive advantages of the Focus over the Leaf, including a faster charging system, and more passenger room. However, neither car would be the best choice for road trips, as the EPA-certified range for the Focus is 76 miles, 3 greater than the Leaf, though Ford points out a range of up to 100 miles per charge can be attained “depending on driving habits.”
Ford claims the EPA-approved efficiency label could save customers up to $9700 in fuel costs over five years. Yet even with this significant cost savings, the Electric is by far the most expensive Focus in the Ford lineup, with a starting price of $39,995. Even factoring in the available $7500 federal tax credit, it rings the register to the tune of $32,495. For comparison, a well-equipped Ford Focus Titanium 5-door goes for between $25,000 and $28,000.
Source: Ford

 

that's great, but it's not. A range of 100 miles? That's just not gonna cut it. The Tesla cars (although much more expensive) have a range of ~250 miles.

I'm doing an intense case study on Tesla for a National Competition, and electric vehicles, while nice to say that "we can", just pail in comparison to a hybrid. Until they can get charging down to under 20 minutes, they won't be a viable means of transportation outside of inner city commutes.

 

they just need to put power strips on the road like mono rail has on it tracks.

 

If Toyota can sell spaceship looking Priuses for $28k, Ford should be able to sell plug in electric cars $32k after tax credit. Technology is still new, hence, expensive.