USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh vs Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh

Side-by-side comparison of all specifications in imperial units (mi, lb). To see metric units (km, kg), switch website version to Global.
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General Info

Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) for as low as $10900, while the Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh (2011-2017) begins at $3998.

The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.

Property Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh
Years of Production 2017-2020 2011-2017
Current Status Discontinued Discontinued
Country of Manufacture Germany Germany, USA
Body Style Hatchback Hatchback
Market Availability EU, USA EU, USA
Price USA (Used) $10900 $3998
GCC Score 4.6 4.1

Range and Efficiency

While the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh (2011-2017).

Property Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh
Range (EPA) 125 mi 76 mi
Range (WLTP) 144 mi - Range (WLTP)
Range (GCC) 119 mi 74 mi
Battery Capacity (Nominal) 35.8 kWh 23 kWh
Battery Capacity (Usable) 32 kWh 19.6 kWh
Efficiency per 100 mi 26.9 kWh/100 mi 26.5 kWh/100 mi
Efficiency per kWh 3.72 mi/kWh 3.78 mi/kWh
Range and Efficiency Score 5.2 4.9

Charging

Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.

The Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh (2011-2017) has no DC fast charging capability, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) can charge at up to 40 kW.

The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.2 kW, whereas the Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh (2011-2017) is limited to 6.6 kW.

Property Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh
Max Charging Power (AC) 7.2 kW 6.6 kW
Max Charging Power (DC) 40 kW - Max Charging Power (DC)
Architecture 400 V 400 V
Charge Port CCS Type 1 Type 1 (J1772)
Charging Score 3.9 2.8

Performance

Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.

Although the Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh (2011-2017) has more power, the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) achieves a faster 0-60 mph time.

Property Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh
Drive Type FWD FWD
Motor Type PMSM PMSM
Motor Power (kW) 100 kW 107 kW
Motor Power (hp) 134 hp 143 hp
Motor Torque 214 lb-ft 184 lb-ft
0-60 mph 9.6 s 11 s
Top Speed 85 mph 84 mph
Performance Score 2.8 2.2

Dimensions

The Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh (2011-2017) is longer, but has a similar width and height to the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).

Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.

Property Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh
Length 168.1 in 171.6 in
Width (with Mirrors) 79.8 in - Width (with Mirrors)
Width (w/o Mirrors) 70.8 in 71.8 in
Height 57.2 in 57.7 in
Wheelbase 103.5 in 104.3 in

Cargo and Towing

The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.

Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).

Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.

Property Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh
Number of Seats 5 5
Curb Weight 3459 lb 3624 lb
Cargo Volume (Trunk) 22.8 ft3 14.5 ft3
Cargo Volume (Max) 52.7 ft3 33.2 ft3
Cargo Volume (Frunk) - Cargo Volume (Frunk) - Cargo Volume (Frunk)
Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity
Cargo and Towing Score 4 4
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