Ford: All-Electric Car Now For Sale

DETROIT (TheStreet) -Ford (F) is now taking orders for its first all-electric, non-gasoline vehicle.

The automaker said Wednesday drivers who want to stop using gasoline and stop getting oil changes can order the 2012 Ford Focus Electric online at Ford.com and place their orders with a Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealer.

2012 Focus Electric

"Today is an historic day, as Ford opens up the order banks for the company's first full production, all-electric passenger vehicle - the Focus Electric," said Chad D'Arcy, Focus electric marketing manager, in a prepared statement.

Focus Electric will list at $39,995, the same as the price of GM's (GM) Chevrolet Volt but more than the $35,000 that Nissan charges for the Leaf. All three electric vehicles are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

GM said Tuesday that Volt sales totaled 1,108 in October and 5,003 in the first ten months of 2011. It said that availability of the Volt is increasing and that it remains possible to achieve a stated goal of selling 10,000 Volts this year.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will initially be available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and the New York/New Jersey area.

During 2012, availability will expand to 15 additional markets, including Atlanta; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Orlando, Fla; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Focus Electric will come standard with a wide variety of options including MyFord Touch, MyFord Mobile App, 17-inch aluminum wheels, ambient lighting, seats made from 100-percent recycled material and a rear camera with rear parking sensor. The only options are leather seats and two paint colors.

Ford Electric stores energy in a lithium-ion battery pack that uses liquid cooling to help ensure a long life and optimal performance. The battery can be recharged in just over three hours using a 240-volt charging station. That is half the charging time of the 2012 Nissan Leaf, Ford said.

-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C.

>To contact the writer of this article, click here: Ted Reed

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