Ford's price for its 2012 Focus Electric: $39,995

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric may be the first all-electric car from one of Detroit's Big Three auto makers. But, it will come with a big price tag.

As promised in its Monday announcement, Ford Motors opened today its online "Build & Price" system for the battery-powered Focus.

The base price for the Focus Electric is $39,995, which includes the $795 destination charge, and is expected to be available in 19 test markets by "early 2012." (California and New York will be among the first two areas to receive the electric Ford hatchbacks.)

The electric Focus will come standard with a one-speed transmission and a choice of four colors—black, "Oxford White," silver, and a greenish "Frosted Glass." Consumers will also have few options to add to the car: Just two premium exterior colors—"Blue Candy" ($395) and "White Platinum" ($495)—and leather-trimmed seats ($995). A dedicated 240-volt home charger, which will help recharge the Focus Electric in just three to four hours, can also be purchased from Best Buy for about $1,500.

Further details on the Focus Electric, such as diving range, weren't revealed. But Ford has said previously that the EV's batteries will power the car for about 100 miles per charge. He also said the Focus Electric was still being evaluated by the EPA for official driving range and miles-per-gallon equivalent efficiency rating scores for the Ford EV's window sticker.

By comparison, the Nissan Leaf has an EPA-rated driving range of 73 miles and costs nearly $5,000 less at $35,200. The extended-range Chevrolet Volt, which GM just recently lowered to $39,995 also, is less affected by driving range since its on-board gasoline engine can kick in once the Volt's battery runs out of juice.

For more information about environmentally-friendly vehicles such as electric cars, see Consumer Reports Guide to alternative fuels.

Ford Opens Reservations for 2012 Focus Electric [Ford Motors press release]
Ford prices new Focus EV at $39,995 [The Detroit News]

—Paul Eng