The most important components in electric cars—the batteries—are evolving faster than the vehicles themselves. Fortunately, that’s not as problematic as it sounds; automakers aren’t waiting out product cycles to swap in better power packs that enable greater driving range. The 2017 Ford Focus Electric is a great example. Even with a new generation of the Focus just a year or two away, Ford is giving the 2017 Focus Electric a significant upgrade that sees range increase by 50 percent.
The Focus Electric’s liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack has been significantly upgraded for 2017, bringing its capacity up from 23.0 to 33.5 kWh. That yields an EPA-rated range of 115 miles, according to pictures of 2017 window stickers posted by several sources (although neither the EPA nor Ford have posted that number yet).
The other big piece of news for the Focus Electric is that it finally gets DC fast charging, compatible to the CCS/Combo standard, at up to 50 kW. It’s a feature that helps stretch the mileage limits for a few more errands or the occasional highway trip. Ford anticipates that fast charging will yield 75 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
The Focus Electric fits into the electric-car landscape as one of the elder statesmen among the competitive set of EVs that includes the Nissan Leaf, the BMW i3, and the Volkswagen e-Golf, as well as the Kia Soul EV. And its 2017 upgrade keeps the Focus Electric swimming in the rising tide. Last year, Nissan introduced a 30-kWh battery pack, boosting official EPA driving range from 84 to 107 miles. The 2017 BMW i3’s pack has been upgraded from 22 to 33 kWh, boosting its range from 81 miles to 114 miles; and the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf will have its capacity increased from 24 to 36 kWh, yielding a range of 124 miles versus the previous 83 miles.
Part of a Major Commitment to Plug-Ins
The Focus’s major revisions—additional range and fast-charge capability—were called out in December 2015 as part of an announcement that Ford was investing $4.5 billion in electrified vehicle solutions. The initiative includes plans for the automaker to introduce 13 new electric vehicles to its global product portfolio by 2020.
Even with the improvement, however, the Focus won’t compete against the likes of the 238-mile Chevrolet Bolt EV and the upcoming Tesla Model 3. Therefore, Ford is wisely giving the Focus Electric more competitive pricing for 2017, too. The 2017 model costs $29,995, including an $875 destination charge. That’s actually down $50 versus 2016, and it’s before the $7500 federal tax credit and potential state and local incentives.
Ford lists the Focus Electric’s motor output at the same 107 kW as last year. Its top speed also is unchanged, at 84 mph. The design carries over, which means packaging won’t change significantly, if at all, and the Focus Electric will continue to compromise versatility with its large-suitcase-sized battery pack under an elevated area of the cargo floor. The seat fabric in the Focus Electric is made of 100 percent recycled materials, and the seats use a soy-based foam. For those who have no issue with cowhide, $1080 buys leather upholstery. In the realm of electronics, Sync 3 infotainment and navigation are standard, as is a Sony audio system with HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and nine speakers. Front heated seats, heated side mirrors, and rear heater vents help make this model appropriate for climates beyond sunny California.
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California remains the primary market for the Focus Electric, although it is available from EV-certified dealerships throughout the United States. It hasn’t passed the 2000 sales mark for any calendar year so far, but, with its newfound greater driving range, it may have its best chance yet.
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