Seeking to bolster its competitiveness among zero-emission rivals, the 2017 Ford Focus Electric receives a number of upgrades for the new year. The key change comes is a new battery pack. Also liquid cooled, it has a 33.5 kWh capacity compared to the existing 23.0 kWh energy module it replaces. That upgrade is expected to boost its EPA per-charge range from 76 to 115 miles, although final figure is still pending. Key rivals like the 2017 BMW i3 and 2016 Nissan Leaf and 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf also have adopted this kind of range-enhancement.
In addition to its bigger battery, the 2017 Focus Electric is able to use DC fast charging at up to 50 kW as well as the existing 120V/240V AC systems. Fully compatible with the Combined Charging System/Combo standards in Europe where the car also is sold, using the DC alternative will pump roughly 75 miles of range back into the pack in only 30 minutes. No changes were made to the powertrain of the Focus Electric, which still consists of a 143 horsepower motor that drives the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission.
Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2017
Despite these changes, the price of the 2017 Ford Focus Electric has been reduced by $50. In now starts at $29,995 including destination before any federal state or local incentives.
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