Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh

Overview

The 2017 Ford Focus Electric, in its 23 kWh configuration, represents an early foray into the EV world from a mainstream automaker. Now discontinued, it’s a familiar hatchback offering zero-emission driving, primarily found on the used market. For around a super-budget-friendly $3,998 (as per provided used pricing data), you could snag this American and German-built EV. While not a headline-grabber for range or performance by today's standards, it served as a practical, albeit short-legged, electric commuter based on a popular and well-known platform, making it an accessible entry point to electric motoring.

What's New for 2017?

For the 2017 model year, this specific 23 kWh version of the Focus Electric was essentially a carry-over, marking its final year before a battery upgrade in the Focus Electric line. The most significant tech inside would likely be Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, a welcome improvement offering a more intuitive interface, quicker responses, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Otherwise, this plucky hatchback retained its core attributes from the previous year, offering a known quantity for those seeking a basic, no-frills electric experience before its production concluded in 2017.

Design & Exterior

The 2017 Focus Electric 23 kWh doesn’t shout "I'm electric!" too loudly, sporting the familiar five-door hatchback design of its gasoline siblings, which is a plus for some. You get a unique, more aerodynamic grille and subtle EV badging. Its dimensions are city-friendly: 171.6 inches long, 71.8 inches wide (sans mirrors), and 57.7 inches tall. Standard wheels and lighting were par for the course, making it blend in rather than stand out. The charge port is neatly tucked away, usually on the front fender, maintaining a clean look.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Focus Electric 23 kWh mirrors the regular Focus cabin – functional, if a bit plain, with some eco-friendly materials. It seats five, though rear legroom is just okay. Tech-wise, the likely inclusion of Ford’s SYNC 3 system on an 8-inch touchscreen is the star, bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo space is a bit compromised by the battery: you get 14.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 33.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Don’t go looking for a frunk, though; there isn’t one here.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect Tesla-like launches, but the Focus Electric 23 kWh offers a zippy-enough urban experience. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) up front churns out 107 kW (around 143 hp) and a decent 184 lb-ft of instant torque, making it feel responsive off the line. Nought to 60 mph takes a leisurely 11 seconds, as per the specs. Being front-wheel drive, it handles predictably, like a slightly heavier Focus, offering a generally smooth and quiet ride. Regenerative braking helps recoup some energy, making city driving pretty efficient.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Focus Electric packs a 19.6 kWh usable battery, translating to a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of about 74 miles – strictly city-commuter territory. Efficiency is rated at a respectable 3.78 mi/kWh. For charging, you’re looking at Level 2 AC via its Type 1 (J1772) port, with a 6.6 kW onboard charger allowing a full top-up in around 3 hours. Crucially, the provided specs for this 23 kWh trim don't list DC fast charging capability, so plan your longer trips around that AC charge speed.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the provided data doesn't specify an NHTSA rating for this exact trim, the 2017 Ford Focus line generally scored an impressive 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, which is reassuring. Standard safety kit included a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. You might find examples with optional extras like blind-spot monitoring or lane-keep assist, but these weren't standard. It also earned a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, though US buyers will focus on the strong NHTSA performance of the broader Focus family.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Focus Electric 23 kWh likely came with Ford's standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Critically for an EV, the battery and electric components were typically covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles against defects. Complimentary maintenance wasn't a common Ford perk back then. As a used buy, you're past most original warranties, but EVs generally mean fewer moving parts and potentially lower maintenance bills. Check for any remaining battery warranty coverage if you're shopping.