Ford has a stellar offering in the electric car class, the Ford Focus Electric. Maybe you have heard of it, maybe you haven’t. We recently spent time behind the wheel of one for a second drive, and found it to be a top notch EV in its drive, build quality, execution, and performance.

The Ford Focus Electric has an approximate range of 80 miles, offers up a top level trim grade standard and seats five people comfortably. Its powertrain is smooth and quiet as you would expect, delivering a substantial torque curve for city driving.

The interior is well done with high quality materials and trim. Cloth seating is standard and leather is available. Most other tech options are standard at its price, on par with the gasoline Focus Titanium trim grade. The instrument cluster features lots of tech apps to help you on your journey to green driving too.

It is fun to drive with dynamic handling that belies its rather portly curb weight, which is a result of its Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack which is located under the rear cargo area. Braking feel well modulated for a car which trades heavily on regenerative friction for stopping power.

Performance however in the showrooms has been less than stellar. Ford has struggled to move less that 500 of the Focus Electrics this year, while competitors like the Nissan Leaf has seen over 6,300 units sold. The two cars are nearly identical in size and scope, range and performance, near direct competitors.

One area the two cars differ greatly is price. The Nissan Leaf starts out at $28,800 while the Focus is well over $10,000 more at $39,200. At this point we can almost stop talking as that alone can be attributed to why the Focus isn’t selling. It isn’t the car, it’s the price.

At $40,000 your options include the Chevrolet Volt which gives you the added bonus of an on-board gasoline generator for when your battery goes low. While many Volt owners never need this in their daily drives, when you consider this bonus comes at the same price as the Focus without it, well its hard not to look.

Asked at a recent event we attended about how Ford saw the matter of low Focus Electric sales, John Davis of Ford’s electricified vehicle engineering stated that it wasn’t an issue as the plant where Ford builds the Focus Electric is flexible and production can be tailored to demand.

The reality however is that Ford has spent huge engineering dollars on this venture, and 100 or less vehicles a month sales does not pay this back. Add this to news this week that Ford is not making any changes for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric and one starts to wonder what the future for this brilliant car is.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.

CONSEQUENCE:

As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall is expected to begin in late July 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Toyota announced today the launch of the first Prius MPG Challenge rewarding environmentally-conscious, charitable organizations in N.Y., N.J. and Conn., with contributions totaling $20,000.

The Challenge – which consists of five separate waves of competition, each with up to eight challengers – awards those participants garnering the highest overall MPG over the course of a 30-day period. It kicks off with an event today in West Caldwell, N.J., to hand off vehicles to the first wave of challengers.

Participants will borrow a Prius Plug-in for 30 days. To be eligible to win, challengers must drive a minimum of 500 miles total and 75 miles each week. The highest overall MPG according to the Prius’ trip computer per 30-day challenge wins a $2,500 contribution, with second-place finisher earning $1,000 and the third-place finisher winning $500. All participating companies will also receive a $200 gas card.

“We see the MPG Challenge as a way to make environmental education fun,” said David Christ, general manager of Toyota’s New York Region. “By tapping regional organizations, we’re able to engage at a local level while demonstrating the Toyota Prius Plug-In’s ability to improve the lives of our fellow community members.”

The first wave of ecologically-conscious organizations participating as MPG Challengers includes:

The Greyston Foundation, a Yonkers, N.Y.-based network of for-profit and not-for-profit entities providing life services and work opportunities to low-income individuals and families, including the bakery that exclusively supplies brownies to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

Greater Mercer TMA, a nonprofit, public private partnership dedicated to reducing traffic congestion, decreasing air pollution and improving mobility in and around Mercer and Ocean County, N.J.

Bloomfield College, an independent, four-year college in Bloomfield, N.J., that prepares students to attain academic, personal and professional excellence in a multicultural and global society

RYASAP, a Bridgeport, Conn.-based nonprofit that serves as a catalyst in communities to ensure the safe and healthy development of youth, young adults and families

The Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community Ecumenically Concerned Helping Others (CUMAC/ECHO), which works to alleviate hunger and its root causes in Paterson, Passaic County and northern N.J.

Glamourgals, a national organization that creates teen volunteer chapters providing companionship and complimentary beauty makeovers to women living in senior homes.

The Helping Hands Food Pantry, a donation-run group established by a local councilman and minister in Teaneck, N.J., that provides free, supplemental groceries to needy residents

Source: Toyota

The next big news in the electric car set is the coming Chevrolet Spark EV. And making that news bigger today, Chevrolet announced a least program starting at $199 per month. Additionally, with a price starting at $27,495, it can be had for as little at $19,995 after $7,500 federal tax incentive.

Depending on their tax situation, California Spark EV owners may also qualify for other state and local tax credits and incentives up to $2,500, potentially reducing the price to $17,495. Spark EV owners in California are also eligible for High-Occupancy Vehicle, or carpool lane, access.

The least program that Chevrolet will launch is $199 per month for 36 months, with $999 due at lease signing including security deposit (tax, title, license dealer fees extra). The lease includes 10,000 miles per year. The Spark EV is now available for order in some California and Oregon Chevrolet dealers and will begin arriving by middle of June.

Based on the gasoline Chevrolet Spark, the Spark EV features a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and a 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent rating. The Spark EV will be GM’s first production 100% EV model since the now famous EV-1 of the 1990′s

The Spark EV will be price competitive with cars like the Mitsubishi MiEV and Nissan Leaf. The Nissan Leaf at $28,800 is a more substantial car in size and scope however than the Spark or the MiEV. Ford offers their own Focus EV, but that car is priced substantially higher at $39,200.

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Tesla Motors today has announced they paid off the entire loan given the company by the Department of Energy in back in 2010. On the heels of the company’s news earlier this month they had turned their first profit, the company’s final payment of $451.8 million repays the full loan plus interest.

This makes Tesla the only American car company to have fully repaid the government. Much of the funds to repay the government loan today came from a stock offering made earlier this month The loan payment was made today using a portion of the approximately $1 billion in funds raised in last week’s concurrent offerings of common stock and convertible senior notes.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer and cofounder, purchased $100 million of common equity, the least secure portion of the offering. “I would like to thank the Department of Energy and the members of Congress and their staffs that worked hard to create the ATVM program, and particularly the American taxpayer from whom these funds originate,” said Elon Musk. “I hope we did you proud.”

For the first seven years since its founding in 2003, Tesla was funded entirely with private funds. Wiht this private funding, Tesla brought its Roadster sports car to market, designed electric power-trains for Daimler (Mercedes) and had done preliminary design of the Model S all before receiving a government loan.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Tesla was awarded a milestone-based loan, requiring matching private capital obtained via public offering, by the DOE as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program.

This program was signed into law by President Bush in 2008 and then awarded under the Obama administration in the years that followed. This program is often confused with the financial bailouts provided to the then bankrupt GM and Chrysler, who were ineligible for the ATVM program, because a requirement of that program was good financial health.

Going forward Tesla is in an enviable position of being one of the first profitable and healthy automotive upstart companies in America in a very long time. Their future is now theirs to win or lose, now that competitors like Fisker have opened up room for them to fly.

In recent weeks news has come which points to a number of developments in Toyota’s hybrid strategies. Notable is a report by Japanese news outlet Nikkei that outlines a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic to dramatically expand Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery production.

Reports say that the joint-venture will expand production capacity for the lighter and more efficient battery packs to 200,000 units a year, a significant bump in production. A new plant in Japan will allow for the increased production.

What this means in terms of hybrid products is that the next generation Prius and other electified models will use the newer technology batteries, making them even more efficient than at current. Most Toyota and Lexus hybrids including the Prius use the older Nickel Metal Hydride batteries which are heavier and have less storage capacity.

Using Li-Ion batteries will increase the mpg rating significantly across the board on Prius models and other hybrids Toyota and Lexus offers, making them more competitive against other manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen – all who are now using the Li-Ion battery technology.

Additional news has come this month that Toyota does not plan to add Prius production in the United States as has been previously reported. While many news outlets including Motoring2 have reported Toyota would build Prius models slated for the North American market in the States, Toyota has recently changed course on this plan.

The normalization of the Yen in exchange rates is likely a large component to this move, as it was initially the impetus for seeking production outside of Japan to begin with. With the exchange rates now starting to become more favorable for the Yen, it makes sense to keep production in Japan.

The next-generation Toyota Prius is expected in 2014, perhaps as a 2015 model. Sources have said the next Prius will be slightly larger, at least for the North American market. Expect that the mpg ratings will rise as well despite the larger size.

Acura has announced that their all-new NSX hybrid supercar will be produced in Ohio, at a new Performance Manufacturing Center. The expansion of their current site, the NSX will be built in a $70 million advanced production facility encompassing 184,000 square feet.

The new facility will employ approximately 100 highly skilled manufacturing associates drawn from within Honda’s existing operations in Ohio. In addition, associates at Honda’s engine plant in Anna, Ohio, will assemble the NSX powertrain.

“Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality,” said Hidenobu Iwata, president & CEO of Honda of America and the head of Honda’s manufacturing operations in North America. “The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio.”

The new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas located in Los Angeles, CA, and Raymond, OH. The NSX will feature a unique powertrain and body structure, powered by a mid-mounted V-6 engine mated to Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

“We have a very clear understanding of the high customer expectations luxury buyers around the world have for a supercar, and our challenge is to exceed them and create new value for the customer,” said Klaus. “This new Performance Manufacturing Center will be key to this challenge.”

The next generation NSX will be built exclusively at the all-new Performance Manufacturing Center. In addition to being sold in North America, the NSX will be exported to customers throughout the world.

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It is a good month for Tesla. The new start up electric car maker has just announced its first ever quarterly profit based on sales of their Model S sedan. And as they are indeed selling, Consumer Reports recently awarded the Model S a 99 out of 100 score, their highest ever rating given.

While many new start up companies have had teething pains, if not failed such as Fisker’s recent happenings, Tesla which has been in business now for ten years has announced this week their first operating profit now that their signature Model S has been in production for some time.

The model now being seen on trucks around the country’s interstates are finally showing up to consumers who have long ordered them. Magazines are testing them and finding much to praise, despite the many customers who complain about the central touch screen control system.

Consumer Reports recently reviewed the Model S, giving it this highest score ever bestowed any car, except once a Lexus LS 460. The report is gushing with praise almost to the point of fandom. They spoke of Porsche-like handling and an Audi-like interior.

Despite their less than balanced appearance in the report, they cite many positives that ring true. The fact is that the Tesla Model S is a landmark electric car, with up to a 200 mile range that is by all accounts genuine and true.

At less than $100,000 for that range, its luxury amenities, and phenomenal performance it is seen as a bargain in many quarters. It’s less expensive than a Porsche Panamera Hybrid, Lexus LS 600h Hybrid, performs as well or better than both, and is far more efficient with the equivalent of about 84 mpge.

The Model S is built in Fremont, CA with sales of 4,900 units in the first quarter. Tesla’s first quarter profit was $11 million with $562 million in revenue. Tesla says it plans to sell 21,000 cars this year, and based on their current pace that is increasingly likely.

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

REMEDY:

GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provide a notification schedule. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s recall campaign number is 13136.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

One of our favorite electric cars, the Nissan Leaf just got a healthy dose of kudos from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a “Top Safety Pick” rating. In the latest round of testing the Leaf achieved their highest “Good” rating for front, side, rollover and rear crash testing.

“Driver and passenger safety are top priorities for Nissan and the ‘Top Safety Pick’ designation by IIHS reflects the design and innovation that have gone into this car to make it a practical, no-compromise electric vehicle,” said Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of electric vehicle sales and marketing.

“The new, U.S.-assembled 2013 Nissan LEAF provides customers with a remarkable level of value, comfort and security at prices competitive with gas-powered cars in a fun-to-drive package.”

While the new small overlap crash test was not included in this rating, it performed above average structurally in all other established tests. Additionally, airbag and occupant control systems worked well.

The Leaf comes with front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor which adjust airbag power depending on their size and weight. Additionally the Leaf is equipped with front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact air bags for front and rear-seats.

Of the electric cars we have tested in the past few years, the Nissan Leaf has stood out as a solid feeling car that sheds the image of the tin can golf-cart that the popular press promotes for EV’s. This award by the IIHS stands to bolster our impressions, at least until we see how it performs in the small offset test.