Auto Reviews – Electric Vehicle Car Blog

Ford Motor Company’s Focus 2013 Electric is powered by a lithium-ion battery system which gives it a fuel efficiency rating of 110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway, 105 MPGe combined. Source: Ford Motor Company 2013 Focus product sheet.

What is MPGe?

It sounds odd, providing miles per gallon figures for a car that uses no gasoline so here’s the offical explanation: Miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) is used to compare energy consumption of alternative-powered vehicles.

MPGe tells how much gasoline and how much electricity would be used to generate an equal amount of power. One gallon of gasoline equals 33 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Now you know.

Focus specs:

Powertrain: Permanent magnet all electric traction motor with single-speed automatic transmission
Power: 143 hp, 107 kW, Torque: 184 lb.-ft., 250 Nm
Seating: five
Ambient lighting with seven switchable colors
Standard Audio System by Sony® and HD Radio™ with iTunes Tagging
Where built: Wayne Assembly Plant, Wayne, Michigan

Fast Recharge

The all-electric Focus is capable of fully recharging in four hours at home using the available wall-mounted 240-volt charge station. This compares favorably with competitors like the Nissan Leaf.

According to Ford, the Focus Electric offers enough range (up to 76 miles) to meet the daily needs of most American drivers, and a top speed of up to 84 mph. Operative words in both cases being “up to.”

Battery Power

The Focus Electric’s lithium-ion battery system offers more power and less weight than comparable nickel metal-hydride systems. The battery’s power output is 23kWh, with advanced liquid heating/cooling to regulate battery temperature. This helps maximize battery life and miles from each charge. Regenerative braking boosts range by capturing up to 90 percent of energy lost through friction brakes.

What’s the Price? The Focus Electric is available at one of Ford’s certified electric vehicle (EV) dealers. MSRP is $39,200.00. Be sure to ask your tax advisor to see if you qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 – operative words being “up to.”

Since the e-Golf is based on a well proven and popular car, it’s expected to offer trademark German car handling and upscale feel to go along with its new found efficiency. Volkswagen says the new e-Golf will have a driving range of 118 miles.

Mechanically, the e-Golf gets a Volkswagen engineered and built drive system which starts with a 115 horsepower electric motor. With a robust 199 ft-lb of torque, it puts power to the front wheels through a new one-speed gearbox.

Volkswagen says it will offer spirited performance, and because it’s electric will offer smooth linear power throughout its operating range. It can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds according to the company and has a governor limited top speed of about 87 mph.

There are the obligatory driving modes which allow you to select maximum range driving program or dial it up for more power and sporing attitude. The system uses regenerative braking as well to capture power back to the batter on deceleration.

A light-weight lithium-ion battery unit resides under the floor shaped to utilize the center tunnel and under seat areas. This design allows for more cells and less intrusion into the rear cargo area, an issue with many EV’s based on conventional automobiles.

Charging the e-Golf is easier than many EV’s that have come before it. You can charge over night with a 120V plug, but it also comes with a standard 230V charge cord that can be plugged in to a standard wall socket without the use of an external charger.

You can of course use an available quick charger or public charging station as a third alternative for the fastest charging.

It gets some cool new features like LED headlights, the very first Volkswagen to get them. All e-Golf models will be four-doors and come in fully loaded trim levels. This includes top end infotainment and interior comforts, trims, and equipment.

Setting the e-Golf apart visually will be special alloy wheels that are designed for maximum aerodynamics, blue accent strips in the trim, and unique fascias front and rear. The 16” alloy wheels get low rolling resistance tires to maximize range. When the e-Golf arrives next year pricing will likely be at a slight premium over competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric. Expect all the connectivity driving and planning apps which allow you to optimize your charge in more way than you can ever imagine, from the comfort of your smart phone.