C-Zero.info: It’s taken a while, but Ford has finally joined the electric car party with its Focus Electric, which is now on sale in the UK. With the exception of a new grille, front-wing charging point and subtle badging, the Focus Electric shares the looks of Ford’s familiar five-door hatchback, yet under-the-skin uses a lithium-ion battery pack and AC electric motor, which is good for an 85mph top speed and a surprisingly sprightly 11 second sprint to 62 mph.
The biggest limitation currently associated with electric vehicles (EVs) concerns a lack of useable range, but the Focus offers a claimed mileage of up to 100 miles on a full charge(depending on driving style and choice of route) aided by the powertrain’s use of regenerative braking to capture up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy normally lost during the braking process. Charging takes 10-11 hours from a standard three-pin 240 volt/10 amp UK domestic socket, while a fast charger operating at 32 amps can achieve a full top-up in three to four hours.
Due to the electric motor delivering its 250Nm of torque instantly the Focus Electric feels very strong off the mark and at lower speeds, but once over 60 mph the rate of speed increase slows considerably, as the car gradually builds up to its restricted 85 mph top speed. Despite a significantly heavier kerb weight of 1700kg, this Focus retains the dynamic appeal of conventionally powered versions, save for a touch less body control around corners.
In-car refinement however, is a marked improvement over a combustion powered Focus. Like its EV rivals, the Focus Electric’s motor is smooth and refined and once underway, all that disturbs the serenity is a whisper of wind noise and a modicum of road rumble.
Although cabin space is unaffected by the electric conversion, the battery occupies a significant chunk of the luggage area, which reduces everyday carrying capacity from 316 litres, down to 237 litres. At least Ford has made an effort to retain practicality by installing a two-tier load floor, incorporating a hidden storage compartment.
The interior is virtually identical to any other Focus, apart from some unique EV instrumentation: dubbed the ‘user interface SmartGauge’, which enables owners to monitor, manage and reduce energy consumption to maximise vehicle range. Elsewhere in the cabin is usual Focus fare. Standard equipment is on par with a Titanium-spec Focus and includes the well specified Sony DAB stereo and part-leather seats.
Verdict:
The Focus stands out from the electric car crowd by looking largely identical to the regular combustion model on which it’s based. That aside, Ford’s first EV is a highly competent all-round product, being quick, quiet, comfortable and great to drive. A high sticker price of £28,580 (after £5k government contribution) is likely to be the only turn-off for private buyers.
Tech Spec:
Ford Focus Electric
Price: £28,580 (inc £5k grant)
Engine: 143bhp AC motor
Power: 23kwh lithium-ion battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
0-62mph: 11.0 seconds
Top speed: 85mph
Range: 100 miles
CO2: 0g/km (tailpipe)
Equipment: DAB, reversing camera, satellite navigation
