Ford Focus Electric 33 kWh

Overview

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric, rocking the 33 kWh battery, was Ford's city-slicker EV before their big Mach-E splash. It's a familiar Focus hatchback shape, just whisper-quiet and zero-emission! Aimed at eco-conscious drivers wanting a practical, no-frills electric ride, it offered a modest range boost over its earlier version. Now discontinued, you might snag one on the US pre-owned market for around $6,898. It wasn't a rocket ship, but it was an honest electric commuter built for the daily grind, assembled in Germany and the USA for markets including the EU and USA.

What's New for 2018?

For 2018, the Focus Electric 33 kWh largely carried over the significant upgrades introduced in 2017. The big news remained its beefier 33.5 kWh (nominal) battery pack, a welcome jump from the previous 23 kWh unit, which seriously upped its daily usability. Crucially for US drivers, this iteration came standard with DC fast charging capability using a CCS Type 1 connector, slashing those pesky wait times at public chargers. This made it a more versatile option for those needing quicker top-ups, a key feature for keeping pace in the evolving EV landscape of the time.

Design & Exterior

The 2018 Focus Electric 33 kWh kept the familiar, friendly face of the third-gen Ford Focus hatchback, but with a few EV-specific tells. You'd spot its unique, somewhat covered grille designed for better aero, and subtle "Electric" badging. It wasn't shouting about its electric heart, preferring a more understated approach. Key dimensions are a length of 172.9 inches, a surprisingly wide stance at 74.1 inches (without mirrors), and a height of 58.2 inches, all riding on a 104.3-inch wheelbase. It's a compact hatch that blended in, rather than stood out flamboyantly.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2018 Focus Electric 33 kWh felt much like its gas-powered siblings – sensible and functional. Materials were durable, though not overly plush. Passenger space was decent for a compact, seating five. Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, typically with an 8-inch touchscreen, was a highlight, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo-wise, you get 14.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 33.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra bits and bobs; the electric gubbins took up that space.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect Tesla-style ludicrous speed here; the Focus Electric 33 kWh ambles from 0-60 mph in a leisurely 11 seconds. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) powers the front wheels, delivering 107 kW (around 143 hp) and a decent 184 lb-ft of instant torque. This made it feel nippy enough for city driving. The ride was generally comfortable, benefiting from the Focus chassis's competent handling. Regenerative braking helped recapture energy, though it wasn't as aggressive as some rivals. Max speed tops out at a modest 84 mph.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2018 Focus Electric 33 kWh features a 31.8 kWh usable battery, translating to a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 107 miles – enough for many daily commutes. It sips energy at a rate of 3.36 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 5 hours. Out and about, its CCS Type 1 port accepts DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, which can take the battery from low to 80% in around 35-45 minutes, making longer trips more feasible.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, which is reassuring. While IIHS tests on the standard Focus hatchback of the era yielded mostly "Good" scores in crashworthiness, its headlights were rated "Poor." Standard safety kit included a rearview camera and typical airbags. Advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were often available as options rather than standard, so check the spec of any used model carefully. It provided solid, if not class-leading, safety credentials for its time.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2018 Ford Focus Electric typically came with Ford's standard 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially for an EV, the battery and electric drive components were covered by a federally mandated 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Ford didn't usually offer complimentary maintenance back then. Being an EV, maintenance is generally lower than an ICE car, with fewer moving parts, though battery health over time is a key consideration for pre-owned examples.