EV Review: 2018 Ford Focus Electric

Photo Credits: Ford.com

Affordable Sticker Price

Overview

Performance: 107-kilowatt electric motor, 143 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 96 to 100 mpge

Price estimate: From $29,995

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Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Roadside assistance: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Corrosion warranty: 5 years / unlimited

2018 Ford Focus Review

Intro

The Focus Electric is only sold in select states from certified Ford dealers. It comes solely as a hatchback – there is no EV version of the Focus sedan. It’s an affordable compact car that starts at around $30,100, yet incentives can potentially lower that price considerably. The Focus qualifies for a $7,500 federal income-tax credit and the California rebate is $2,500.

Range

Aside from price, another reason the Focus EV should be a temping buy is its range works solely off its battery, a fairly impressive 100 miles (depending on driving habits) before the car requires a charge. Although that figure doesn’t compare to the Chevy Bolt (238) or the Nissan Leaf (151), getting around 100 miles on a single charge can workout quite well for someone who has a relatively short work commute. The EPA estimates the Focus EV has a combined fuel-economy rating of 96-107 mpge.

Battery and Charging

The Focus employs a lithium-ion battery pack that possesses 34 kilowatt-hours of energy. Fully charging the battery at home, or in public, with a Level 2, 240V EV charging station typically takes between 5-6 hours. Ford also offers an optional quick-charging port (DC charging) that takes an empty battery to roughly 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

Vehicle Power and Speed

The Focus EV, which uses the same body as the gasoline-powered Focus, has a 107-kilowatt electric motor that produces 143 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Ford states that the vehicle will top out at 84 mph. Although the Focus EV is not the quickest compact around, it does go 0-60 mph in 9.9 seconds.

Performance

Car buyers will love how the Focus EV travels in a very smooth and quiet fashion. Like the regular Focus, the electric model has fairly good command of the road, providing solid handling, precise steering and is fun to drive. Although the regenerative braking system (slows down the vehicle when the foot is taken off the accelerator while capturing energy for re-use) takes a while to grow accustomed to, the benefits far outweigh the initial inconvenience.

Interior Space

The Focus has a fairly upscale cabin for the class, featuring good quality materials and a smart overall layout. For front seat occupants, the seating is comfortable with solid leg and head room, while the backseat room is not as generous. Ford discontinued the MyFord Touch system, a source of constant frustration for buyers of previous Focus models. The Synch 3 touchscreen responds quicker and is easier to operate.

We love the Focus EV’s remote auto start button on the key fob. It also features eco-fabric seat covers and voice-activated navigation. What’s not so cool regarding the interior is a large hump in the cargo area that limits storage to 14.6 cubic-feet.

Conclusion

Despite its presence for the past seven years, the Ford Focus Electric vehicle (EV) surprisingly lacks any new innovation or increase in sales. To put it bluntly, Ford is far behind other more popular EV models like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, Chevy Bolt or Prius Prime because it seemingly doesn’t care. In 2017, while the Focus sales were approximately 2,000, while the Prius, Volt and Bolt all exceeded the 20,000 mark. Ford made essentially no changes to the 2018 Ford Focus Electric and it’s available in only one trim model.

In the face of Ford’s reluctance to promote the Focus Electric, it remains a fairly good buy. It has an affordable sticker price, delivers good overall distance and provides a solid, comfortable ride.

–  J.W.

User Video Review: 2018 Ford Focus Electric