Beatrice Lang
The Ford Focus Electric is a 5-door hatchback electric car produced by Ford from December 2011 to May 2018. It was Ford's second production all-electric vehicle, following the Ford Ranger EV. The Focus Electric shares Ford's global C-car platform and is built using the body of the third-generation Ford Focus. The electric car is powered by a 107 kW electric motor and uses a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a range of 76 miles (122 km) on its initial release. The Focus Electric has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting issues with its battery, range, and maintenance. However, others have praised its features, reliability, and price. So, is the Ford Focus Electric worth it? Let's find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of doors | 5 |
| Type of car | Hatchback |
| Production period | December 2011 to May 2018 |
| Fuel economy | 105 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (2.2 L/100 km) for the original model and 107 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (2.2 L/100 km) for the 2017 model |
| Range | 76 miles (122 km) for the original model and 115 miles (185 km) for the 2017 model |
| Battery type | 23 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack for the original model and 33.5 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack for the 2017 model |
| Recharge time | 3-4 hours for the original model and 5.5 hours for the 2017 model |
| Price | £28,500 at launch in the UK, substantially more than its rivals |
| Maintenance cost | Affordable, with only tires needing to be replaced at 55,000 miles according to one owner |
| Features | MyFord Touch map-based Navigation System, warning sounds for pedestrians, and regenerative braking |
| Comparison to competitors | The Nissan Leaf is more practical and cheaper, but the Ford Focus Electric is nicer aesthetically |
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What You'll Learn
Ford Focus Electric's performance in cold weather
The Ford Focus Electric is Ford's second production all-electric vehicle, produced from December 2011 to May 2018. The car's performance in cold weather is a concern for some users. One user from Minnesota, United States, reported that the car performs similarly to a normal car in the winter, but the range will decrease, especially if the heaters are used. This is a common issue with electric vehicles, as the battery's performance can be affected by cold temperatures.
To address this issue, Ford has implemented an active liquid system in the Focus Electric. This system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system, regulating the temperature throughout the system. On cold days, the heated liquid warms the batteries, bringing the system's temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide sufficient discharge power for expected vehicle performance. This feature helps to optimize the car's performance in cold weather conditions.
However, despite Ford's efforts, some users still express concerns about the range of the Focus Electric in cold climates. The original model had a 23 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a range of 76 miles according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This range is significantly less than what competitors were offering at the time, such as the Nissan Leaf, which had a range of around 100 miles.
In 2017, Ford upgraded the battery to a 33.5 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, increasing the range to 115 miles according to the EPA. This improvement addressed the range concerns to some extent, but it is still crucial for drivers in cold regions to carefully plan their trips and consider the available range.
Overall, while the Ford Focus Electric's performance in cold weather is enhanced by the active liquid system, the range remains a factor that potential owners, especially those in colder regions, should carefully consider before purchasing this vehicle.
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Reliability and maintenance
The Ford Focus Electric is a five-door hatchback electric car produced by Ford from December 2011 to May 2018. It was Ford's second production all-electric vehicle, following the Ford Ranger EV. The Focus Electric shares Ford's global C-car platform and is built using the body (or glider) of the third-generation Ford Focus.
The reliability of the Ford Focus Electric can be assessed by considering factors such as battery performance, range, and maintenance requirements.
Battery performance
The Ford Focus Electric is equipped with a 23 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, which was later upgraded to a 33.5 kWh capacity in the 2017 model. The liquid cooling system maintains the battery temperature by heating or chilling a coolant that is pumped through the battery pack. This regulation helps to optimize battery performance and prolong its lifespan.
Range
The range of an electric vehicle is an important factor in determining its reliability. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the original Ford Focus Electric with a range of 76 miles (122 km). The 2017 model, with its upgraded battery, offered an increased range of 115 miles (185 km).
It is worth noting that factors such as weather conditions and the use of heaters can impact the range of an electric vehicle. For example, an owner from Minnesota reported that the range of their Ford Focus Electric decreased during the winter months when the heaters were in use.
Maintenance requirements
The maintenance requirements of the Ford Focus Electric seem to be relatively standard for an electric vehicle. One owner reported that aside from regular tire changes, their Ford Focus Electric (2013 model) only needed a battery replacement after accumulating 55,000 miles.
However, there have been some concerns raised about the reliability of early models. One potential issue is the replacement of the entire battery rather than individual cells, which can be more costly and time-consuming. Additionally, there have been reports of electrical systems needing replacement and unexpected cut-outs during driving.
In summary, while the Ford Focus Electric generally performs well and offers a competitive range for its class, there may be some considerations regarding maintenance and reliability, especially for early models. Proper maintenance and staying up-to-date with battery technology advancements can help ensure the reliability of this electric vehicle.
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Cost
The cost of the Ford Focus Electric has varied over the years, with the car's price depending on the market and the year of its release. When the car was launched in the UK in 2013, it cost £28,500 after the Government's plug-in car grant of £5,000. This made the car twice as expensive as the cheapest petrol-powered Ford Focus option. In the US, the 2012 model was priced at $30,692 when fully loaded with all available options. In 2013, Ford announced a $4,000 price reduction for the 2014 model, bringing the base price down to $35,200.
By 2015, the price of the Ford Focus Electric had dropped further, with the car now costing around $29,000 in the US, a similar price to the Nissan Leaf. In 2021, Top Gear noted that the Focus Electric's launch price was substantially more than any of its rivals, with the Nissan Leaf available for around £16,000 in 2013/2014. However, they also noted that by 2021, a Focus-sized EV for £28,500 was good value, especially compared to the VW ID.3, which cost £28,670.
In 2016, one user on Reddit noted that they were considering leasing a Ford Focus Electric for $199 a month with nothing down. They also noted that there were no maintenance or fuel costs associated with the car. Another user on the same thread mentioned that they had purchased a used 2013 Ford Focus Electric in 2017, which had 22,000 miles on it at the time. While the exact price of this vehicle is not stated, the user does note that it was imported from California, where electric cars are more common.
In terms of additional costs, Ford made an agreement with Best Buy in 2011 to offer a 240-volt home charging station. The cost of this charging station is not specified. In the same year, an optional solar-panel system was offered by some Ford dealers, which cost $10,000 before local and federal tax credits.
Regarding the cost of batteries, Ford has indicated that a battery for an all-electric vehicle similar to the Focus Electric weighs around 600 to 700 pounds and costs about $12,000 to $15,000, or between $522 and $650 per kilowatt-hour.
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Battery and charging
The Ford Focus Electric is Ford's second production all-electric vehicle. It was produced from December 2011 to May 2018 and is a five-door hatchback electric car. The Focus Electric shares Ford's global C-car platform and is built using the body of the third generation Ford Focus.
The Ford Focus Electric uses a 23 kWh (75Ah) capacity LG Chem lithium-ion battery pack consisting of 430 cells arranged in 86 series 5 parallel (86S5P). The battery pack is liquid-cooled and has a weight of 667 lbs. It is split into two parts, with one part under the rear seats and the other behind the rear seats. This takes up a lot of cargo space in the boot.
The Focus Electric has an EPA-certified range of 76 miles (122 km) for the original model, which was upgraded to 115 miles (185 km) in the 2017 model. Ford of Europe claimed the Electric was good for around 100 miles of range, but North America’s EPA rated it at a more realistic 76 miles. The battery was enlarged to 33.5 kWh for the 2017 model, with the option of CCS fast-charging up to 50 kW.
The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On a hot day, the cooled liquid absorbs heat from the battery pack, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On a cold day, the heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system's temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.
A full recharge takes 3-4 hours for the original model and 5.5 hours for the 2017 model. The 2017 model also has the option of fast-charging, which takes 5.5 hours. The car also has regenerative braking that can supposedly capture 95% of lost energy.
The battery life and range of the Ford Focus Electric have been cited as a concern by some users, with one person stating that they would only recommend the vehicle to someone whose driving patterns are completely compatible with a 76-mile range vehicle. Another user mentions that the range has dropped a little bit over time, but not as much as the Nissan Leaf battery.
The price of the Ford Focus Electric has also been mentioned as a potential drawback, with some people opting for cheaper alternatives such as the Nissan Leaf. In addition, the fact that the Focus Electric is essentially a converted gasoline car has been noted as a possible disadvantage, as it may have led to packaging compromises compared to a car designed from the beginning to be an electric car.
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Comparison to competitors
The Ford Focus Electric was Ford's second production all-electric vehicle, produced from December 2011 to May 2018. It was launched in the US in 2011 and arrived in the UK in 2013.
When the Ford Focus Electric was launched in the UK in 2013, it cost £28,500 after the Government’s plug-in car grant of £5,000. This was twice the price of the cheapest petrol-powered Ford Focus. The Nissan Leaf, its main competitor, cost thousands less and offered a longer-range of 124 miles compared to the Ford's 100 miles. However, the Nissan Leaf had a reputation for degradation of their batteries, primarily due to very hot climates. The Leaf's batteries are air-cooled, which may not hold up well in hotter climates. The Leaf also had a more spacious interior and could seat five people, but the media system was considered terrible.
In the US, the Ford Focus Electric and the Nissan Leaf were similarly priced. By 2015, both cars cost around $29,000. The EPA put the 2014 Ford Focus Electric's range at 76 miles, compared to 84 miles for the Nissan Leaf.
The Ford Focus Electric was also compared to other electric cars on the market at the time, such as the Fiat 500e, the Smart Electric, and the Volkswagen ID.3. The Fiat 500e was considered the sportiest of the group, but it was also very loud. The Smart Electric only had two seats, but it had a much lower list price. The Volkswagen ID.3 was another small, entry-level EV that was available at the time.
The Ford Focus Electric was an excellent first all-electric car to market, and in 2012, there was not much competition, and it was considered the best all-electric car on the market at the time. However, over time, the market has moved forward, and other competitors have caught up or surpassed the Ford Focus Electric in terms of range, price, and features.
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Frequently asked questions
The Ford Focus Electric is a 5-door hatchback electric car that was produced by Ford from December 2011 to May 2018.
The Ford Focus Electric has a good fuel economy, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and an electric motor rated at 107 kW. It also has features such as a MyFord Touch map-based navigation system and regenerative braking.
The Ford Focus Electric has a shorter range compared to other electric vehicles, with a battery range of 76 miles for early models and 115 miles for the 2017 model. It also has a high price compared to its rivals, and the boot space is limited due to the battery size.
The Ford Focus Electric may be worth buying if you can find it at a good price and if its range is suitable for your driving needs. It has been praised for its performance and features, but some have criticized its high price and limited practicality.
Alternatives to the Ford Focus Electric include the Nissan Leaf, the Mini Electric, and the Volkswagen ID.3. These vehicles offer similar features and performance but may have different range, pricing, and practicality considerations.
