
The 2016 Ford Focus Electric is a perfectly competent battery-electric compact hatchback, but it is sold only in limited numbers in certain states, and its range is now lower than that of most competitors.
Its main competitor is the Leaf, by far the world's highest-volume electric car, which will offer 2016 models with more than 100 miles of range—though its styling is polarizing, whereas the Focus is entirely invisible, as is the Volkswagen e-Golf, also a converted gasoline model.
The Chevy Spark EV minicar is much smaller, though it will hold four adults comfortably, and it has even livelier performance.
(The electric Spark also points the way toward the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, a 200-mile electric hatchback that is likely to be a game changer.) With its 53 miles of electric range and a gasoline engine for backup, the all-new Chevy Volt gives four-fifths the electric range of the Focus, eliminates range anxiety entirely, and adds a dash of sporty new styling to boot.
Finally, Ford's own plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi offers 19 miles of electric range and gasoline backup as well, although its load bay is severely compromised by the battery underneath.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2016 Ford Focus Electric is fun to drive, though its range is lower than the Nissan Leaf and others; its "regular car" looks may appeal to some, but it's sold only in small numbers in a handful of markets. |
The new 2016 Chevy Volt improves on its predecessor in every way that counts, and its 53-mile range is unsurpassed among plug-in hybrids—meaning its biggest weak spot is GM’s ability to explain and market it. |
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark is an all-new version of the minicar that actually seats four adults; its more "adult" styling, higher-quality materials, and optional active-safety features may make it the best of the tiny cars. |
The 2016 Nissan Leaf remains a somewhat appliance-like drive, but its new range rating of 107 miles raises it to the top of its class—and it's still smooth, quiet, and calming to drive. |
The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf is a competent electric car, but its specs are less competitive than before. |
MSRP From | ||||
$29,170 | $33,170 | $12,660 | $29,010 | $28,995 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | 43 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 30 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Electric | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I4 | Electric | Electric |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Car | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
5-Door HB | 5-Door HB LT | 5-Door HB Manual LS | 4-Door HB S *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door HB SE |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2016 Ford Focus Electric vs. 2016 Chevrolet Volt | 2016 Ford Focus Electric vs. 2016 Chevrolet Spark | 2016 Ford Focus Electric vs. 2016 Nissan Leaf | 2016 Ford Focus Electric vs. 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf |