The new Ford Focus Electric. It's just like a Ford Focus, but electric!
Some electric-only cars – that is, cars that need no on-board internal combustion engine at all – can still mystify consumers with their odd looks and small, passenger-unfriendly shapes. But not the Ford Focus Electric. It's just like the award-winning usual Focus models that we know and love, but with electricity to power it and potential running costs of an impressive 4p per mile. Everything you want from your 5-seater, family hatchback, but with a potent electric motor in the front, zero-emissions from the rear, and a supplied cable that charges the Focus Electric from a standard 3-pin home socket. Sounds great. And even better, it's coming to Ford dealers soon.
The new Ford Focus Electric will be on show to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the coming weeks, and what they may be surprised by is just how much it looks like the Focus we're already used to seeing on our town and city streets. The same sleek and modern lines, five-door access and a nice big boot. It's all there from a practical and family-friendly point of view, and there's even a good turn of stunningly silent performance to enjoy. Indeed, the Focus Electric can sprint to 62mph in just 11 seconds, and enjoys a top speed of a motorway-ready 84mph. This is thanks to the latest in electric-only technology and a 140bhp electric motor under the bonnet. Even better still, the whole car – from bumper to bumper – is covered by a full 5-year warranty.
Any current Ford Focus model is a treat to drive with its responsive chassis and safely sure-footed grip and composure, and the Focus Electric gets all of this great get up and go too. One little extra that might happily amaze Focus Electric test-drivers is the torque of the electric motor. Acceleration is impressively instant and seamless, and thanks to the quiet cruising nature of the Focus Electric, every journey could well become a very serene experience.
And how about this standard Focus Electric kit, included in the purchase price? New 17-inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels, Sony DAB Navigation system with rear view camera that includes Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance, exclusive electric cluster screen, premium centre console with Z-shaped handbrake, dual zone Electronic Air Temperature Control (DEATC), sports-style front seats, driver seat lumbar support, body colour bumpers, door handles & door mirrors, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors with integral indicators, electric charge connector surrounded by an LED ‘state of charge’ indicator, and a 13A home charging cable with 3-pin plug connection.
A high specification Focus indeed and one that could be extremely inexpensive to run, whilst still cutting the stylish dash that Ford Focus drivers are used to enjoying. Thank goodness then that the new Ford Focus Electric is coming soon!
Posted by Craig Salter