Otis Singleton
The Ford Focus Electric FFE is a popular choice for those seeking an electric vehicle. While the FFE does not allow users to set a maximum charge percentage, there are ways to estimate and monitor battery levels. This is important because battery health is crucial for electric vehicles, and avoiding full charge and discharge cycles can prolong battery life. Ford is conservative with its battery usage, and the car's trip display can help users estimate their point-of-no-return. Additionally, external home charging stations may offer timer capabilities to control charging duration and achieve a desired charge level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Avoiding full charge and full discharge cycles are important for battery life. |
| FFE battery capacity after 14 months and 12,000 miles | 95% |
| LEAF battery capacity after 15 months and 15,000 miles | 85% |
| FFE battery after 54,000 miles and three years | Degraded |
| FFE battery after 63,000 miles | Test required to determine capacity |
| FFE battery after 30,000 miles | No appreciable loss of battery |
| FFE battery after 28 miles | Range not close to 2014 model |
| FFE battery after 52,000 miles | 15.2 kWh |
| FFE battery after 43,000 miles | N/A |
| FFE battery after 26,000 miles | N/A |
| FFE battery health | Depends on energy used and battery's % charge |
| FFE battery capacity | Depends on battery temperature |
| FFE battery after 1 year | Normal level daily |
| FFE battery after 3-5 years | May not be operating at optimal levels |
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What You'll Learn
The Ford Focus Electric (FFE) does not have a way to set the charge amount
The FFE's 12-volt accessory battery has been a particular point of concern for owners, with some reporting issues with the battery getting too low even when the car is not in use. However, a firmware update appears to have addressed this issue for some users.
To check the battery capacity and health, FFE owners can use the enhanced trip meter to monitor the kWh used and the battery's % charge. This information can be found under the settings on the main SYNC screen. While Ford does not offer a warranty on battery capacity, keeping an eye on these metrics can help owners stay informed about their battery's performance and any potential issues.
In terms of battery testing, some owners have suggested fully charging the battery and then running the heater until the battery runs out to determine the KW used. However, this method can put unnecessary wear and tear on the battery. Another suggestion is to simply drive the car and monitor the kWh shown on the trip meter, taking into account the regen to understand the actual amount available from the battery.
While the FFE does not offer a way to set the charge amount, some external home 240V charging stations have timer capabilities that can be used to approximate the desired charge level. Additionally, the MyFordMobile app allows users to estimate the state of charge and stop the charging process by pressing a small lever on the car.
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The FFE battery fades with time and use
The FFE battery does fade with time and use, although less so than the Nissan Leaf. This is a common issue with lithium-ion batteries, which lose performance over time due to cycling, elevated temperatures, and aging. The worst situation for battery health is keeping a fully charged battery at high temperatures.
There is no way to set a maximum charge percentage for the FFE, although some external home charging stations have a timer that allows you to set a charging time, which can be used to approximate a certain charge level. The FFE's 12v battery has been known to get too low after a few days of sitting, so it is important to monitor the voltage.
Some users have complained about the lack of ability to limit the charge to improve battery life, especially when compared to other electric cars such as Tesla, Kia, Toyota, and Chevrolet. However, others have noted that Ford is conservative with regards to battery use, and the battery is not actually fully charged even when the car indicates it is at 100%.
To improve battery life, it is recommended to charge only the amount needed to reach the next charge point, charge as late as possible, and charge with higher power.
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The FFE battery lasts between 3 to 5 years
The Ford Focus Electric (FFE) is a popular choice for those seeking an electric vehicle. While the car offers many advantages, one common concern is the longevity of its battery. On average, the FFE battery is designed to last between 3 to 5 years, but this can vary depending on several factors.
Firstly, it's important to note that the FFE battery does degrade over time and with use. This is a normal characteristic of lithium-ion batteries, and the rate of degradation depends on various factors, including driving habits, climate, and battery care. Some users have reported a noticeable drop in battery capacity after a few years, while others have experienced minimal loss even after substantial mileage.
To maximise battery life, it is recommended to avoid full charge and full discharge cycles. This is because high voltage and excessive discharging can put strain on the battery cells, accelerating their degradation. FFE owners have reported that the car does not allow a full charge or discharge, which is a feature designed to protect the battery.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the FFE's 12-volt accessory battery has been identified as a potential issue. Some users have experienced challenges with the battery dropping to low levels when the car is left unused for a few days. However, firmware updates may help address this issue, as some owners have reported improvements after updating their car's software.
While the FFE does not have a built-in feature to set a maximum charge percentage, there are alternative methods to achieve this. One option is to utilise external home charging stations with timer capabilities, allowing users to set a charging duration that approximates their desired charge level. Additionally, certain mobile applications can assist in estimating the state of charge and provide options to stop charging at a specific percentage.
In summary, the FFE battery is designed to last between 3 to 5 years, but its longevity can be influenced by various factors. By understanding the factors that impact battery degradation and adopting strategies to minimise full charge and discharge cycles, FFE owners can maximise the lifespan of their electric vehicle's battery.
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$361
The FFE has a 12-volt accessory battery problem
The Ford Focus Electric (FFE) has a 12-volt accessory battery problem, which has been a known issue for several years. Owners of the FFE have reported that the 12V battery drains or dies prematurely, sometimes within just a few days of the car being left idle. This issue can leave the car inoperable until jumped, and in some cases, a new battery is required.
There are several factors that may contribute to this problem. One possible cause is that Ford allows pumps and other components to run solely off the 12V battery without activating the DC-DC converter, which can drain the battery. Additionally, certain modules may fail to enter sleep mode when the car is turned off, causing the battery to discharge. Another factor may be that the fully charged Li-Ion battery stops charging the 12V accessory battery, causing it to deplete over time.
To address this issue, Ford has released firmware updates that reportedly resolve the problem. These updates include changes to the software and wiring harness, which help prevent the 12V battery from draining prematurely. However, some FFE owners have also taken additional steps to manage the issue. Some have installed a trickle charger or a lithium-ion 12V emergency starter battery unit to help maintain the 12V battery charge. Others have monitored the voltage daily and used an external 12V charger periodically to ensure the battery does not deplete.
While the 12-volt accessory battery problem in the FFE has caused inconvenience to some owners, it appears that Ford has taken steps to address the issue through firmware updates and software improvements. It is recommended that FFE owners experiencing this problem contact their local dealer and refer to the owner's manual for guidance on resolving the 12V battery issues.
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The FFE's reported charge level drops excessively in the first mile
The FFEs reported charge level drops excessively in the first mile, which could be due to several factors. Firstly, it is important to consider the external temperature, especially in very cold weather. Cold weather may decrease the range of miles added per hour and could even cause some electric vehicles to stop charging altogether when temperatures drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a user reported that their Hummer EV's range dropped significantly in cold weather, which may be due to the power drawn from the battery to maintain the inverter's temperature.
Another factor is the use of air conditioning (AC) or heating, which can significantly impact the range. One user reported that turning on the AC reduced their range by 15-20 kilometers. Heavy acceleration, driving uphill, and other factors that increase power consumption can also contribute to a faster drop in the reported charge level.
In some cases, the sudden drop in charge may be due to an error in the system that reports the battery percentage. For instance, a user with a Kia Niro EV experienced a sudden loss of charge on multiple occasions, with the charge dropping from the expected +100-mile range to around 7% within a mile. However, no error codes or issues were found by the dealership.
To mitigate excessive charge level drops, some users suggest balancing the battery and turning off non-essential systems such as the fan or HVAC to preserve the range. Additionally, ensuring that the inverter coolant type is correct and addressing any issues with the wire harness and charger unit can help maintain battery health and accuracy in reporting charge levels.
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Frequently asked questions
The battery percentage is not displayed on the dash of the Ford Focus Electric. However, you can use the Ford app or website to estimate the state of charge.
The most common symptoms of bad Ford Focus batteries are if your car is slow to start after turning the key, or if your battery cables and connectors show signs of heavy corrosion. You may also notice a clicking sound when turning the key, or your electronics work but the car won't start.
Avoid full charge and full discharge cycles as this can negatively impact battery life. Only charge your car to the amount you need to reach your next charge point with a comfortable reserve.
