What would you do to get behind the wheel of a 2013 Ford Focus Electric? Well, if you’re Consumer Reports the answer is, more than most.
Recently the consumer review publication, which operates rather admirably by purchasing, not borrowing, its long-term test vehicles, went to great length in order to procure its 2013 Ford Focus Electric.
As green car enthusiasts already know, snagging one of these all-electric bad-boys is considerably difficult given the limited nature (and release) of the Focus Electric. As of this writing, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is only available in California, New Jersey, and New York, which means Consumer Reports had to trek 100 miles in order to snag one.
On top of the limited availability, logistical legwork had to be undertaken; no small task given the Focus Electric’s EPA-rated range of 76 miles on a single charge. And because of that, a tow truck was arranged at the halfway point between Westchester County New York, where the Focus was purchased, to Consumer Report’s test track back in Connecticut.
Normally the methods of other outlets don’t really concern us, but given Consumer Reports less than forgiving stance on electric and “green” vehicles (and some bad luck with the Fisker Karma) as of late we were interested to see how their valuation matched up to our own driving impressions of the Focus Electric.
Overall, Consumer Report’s Gabe Shenhar seemed to enjoy himself, noting that the “Focus Electric just might be the most fun-to-drive version of the Focus line, yet…” As is the case with all electric cars, power is immediately on hand once the accelerator is pressed. No waiting for revs or gear changes, just pure unadulterated power. We certainly approve.
Still, Consumer Reports is right to point out the initial pitfalls drivers will face in nabbing their own focus Electric and it’s an issue we have already pointed out with cars like the 2013 Honda Fit EV. Nevertheless our desire for auto makers to cease their miserly ways carries on, but hope that customers (and publications) looking to get behind the wheel of these exciting new vehicles proves less challenging.
