We review the Ford Focus Electric from price to economy and all its features
AN all-electric version of the UK’s second-bestselling car is a significant landmark.
And the new Ford Focus is the best driving electric vehicle so far.
But it carries the same baggage as every other electric model... it has a range of just 100 miles and a likely price of £25,000, including a £5,000 government grant.
And that means despite its many plus points it will be just another niche purchase for “greenies” willing to pay a premium and accept its limitations.
Those limitations also include restricted boot space because of the size of two batteries, which help to increase the car’s weight by more than 400lb.
But after a day with the Focus electric there is no doubt that it brings levels of driving enjoyment and performance previously unavailable in this sector.
In many ways we shouldn’t be surprised because the Focus has always been the outstanding ride and handling car in the hatchback class, and it seems to be the perfect fit for electric power.
If the 0-60mph time of 9.5 seconds doesn’t sound that quick, it feels a lot faster.
Top speed is restricted to 84mph but that’s more than fast enough for our clogged roads and the Focus cruises serenely on the motorways.
The Focus is a pleasure to drive in city traffic, on winding country roads or on motorways, plus it is relaxing because you get an ultra-smooth auto gearbox.
I’m currently driving a Focus with Ford’s pioneering 1litre petrol engine as a long-term test, which has the power of a 1.6litre, but the electric version felt every bit as capable. When it comes to charging up the battery you have two options.
You can recharge with a standard cable and household plug that takes up to eight hours, or with a fast-charging 30amp cable that takes around half the time.
Lack of recharging points remains a problem for distance driving. But things are improving as I found at a hotel outside Oxford with charging points.
All you need is a credit card to gain access to the charging outlet and to link it with the car’s charging point on the front wing.
On the inside the cabin is similar to the standard Focus but with a new main instrument cluster.
That tells you how the electric motor is performing, with constant updates on the range status. The Focus electric is one of several electric models Ford intend adding to their range by 2015.
It will go on sale early next year and will be followed by a Transit Connect van version, C-MAX and the new Mondeo.
But Ford sensibly say electric is just one solution and that they will continue to deliver greener and more economical diesel and petrol cars, such as the new 1litre petrol, which, as I mentioned earlier, I’m currently testing.
That approach by Ford seems more realistic because despite the strengths of the all-electric Focus, they accept it’s not the answer for most of us.