Ford (NYSE: F) announced an all-electric version of its Focus model. The car will be sold in 2012.

Ford will work with Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) to offer a 240-volt home charging station.

Ford said, “The Focus Electric is the first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car from Ford, and it is one of five new electrified vehicles that Ford will deliver by 2013 in North America and Europe.”

Nissan has begun to offer a competing car–the Leaf.

T
he problem with the electric car revolution is that there is a great deal of data that says few Americans want electric cars. Gasoline is still inexpensive enough to make electric-powered cars a novelty rather than an alternative.

Electric cars also have limited ranges, usually less than one hundred miles for a round-trip. There is not a set of stations in place to make re-charging practical. Re-charging can also take up to three hours.

The new Ford may be good public relations, but it is not going to be a meaningful addition to the company’s sales.

Douglas A. McIntyre