Ford has updated the Focus Electric with a new battery pack, longer range, and upgraded equipment levels available to buyers. The new model now has a 33.5 kWh battery, almost 50% larger than the outgoing version.
Ford quotes an electric range of 140 miles – up from 100 miles – but it still keeps the Focus Electric behind new or recently updated rivals such as the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq, and considerably behind the new Renault Zoe Z.E. 40. The Focus Electric now out performs the VW e-Golf, but that has a new 186 mile model due later this year.
Ford engineers have had to work within the engineering confines of the existing Focus though, but it seems strange that the new Focus Electric has a larger battery capacity than the Ioniq for example, yet doesn’t go as far on a single charge.
Another key addition to the Focus Electric’s specification is rapid charging capability, with the new Ford using the CCS charging standard. It allows the usual 0-80% charge in around 30 minutes, using rapid DC 50kW chargers.
Power output remains the same with a 107 kW motor pulling the car to a 0-62mph time of 11.0 seconds, and a top speed of 84mph. New features are found inside though with the latest SYNC 3 infotainment system now fitted, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Ford Focus Electric is available to order now, with prices starting at £27,180 after the Plug-In Car Grant has been applied.
