Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh

Overview

The 2017 Ford Focus Electric with its 23 kWh battery pack is a bit of a throwback, an early pioneer in the EV hatchback scene, now a potentially savvy buy on the used market. Based on the ever-popular Focus, it offers a familiar driving experience with zero tailpipe emissions. While its range won't break records, it’s a solid city commuter. This specific trim, though discontinued and available in the EU and USA, can be snagged for around €7,990 used in Europe, making it an accessible entry into electric motoring for those on a tighter budget.

What's New for 2017?

For the 2017 model year, the Focus Electric story got a bit split. While Ford introduced an upgraded version boasting a larger 33.5 kWh battery and zippy DC fast-charging capabilities, the 23 kWh trim specified here essentially soldiered on as a carry-over from its 2011 launch. This means the 23 kWh variant, produced until 2017, didn't see major changes for its final year, continuing with its established specs. It represented the more budget-conscious end of the Focus Electric line-up as the newer, longer-range model took the spotlight.

Design & Exterior

Visually, the 2017 Focus Electric 23 kWh plays it cool, looking much like its petrol-powered siblings – no whacky EV-only styling here! You get the familiar, handsome hatchback silhouette. Key EV giveaways include a unique, often smoother grille design which cleverly hides the charge port, and sometimes specific aero-focused alloy wheels. It measures up at a city-friendly 4358 mm in length, 1823 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and stands 1466 mm tall, with a 2649 mm wheelbase. It’s an EV that blends in, assembled in Germany and the USA.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Focus Electric 23 kWh offers a cabin largely identical to the standard Focus, meaning decent quality materials and a familiar, user-friendly layout for its 5 seats. The battery pack placement does eat into boot space a tad, offering 237 litres with the seats up, expanding to 1125 litres when you fold them flat. Sadly, there's no frunk for extra bits and bobs. For 2017, infotainment was typically handled by Ford's SYNC 3 system, often featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Focus Electric 23 kWh uses a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) for its front-wheel drive. It produces 107 kW and 250 Nm of torque. Tipping the scales at 1700 kg, its 0-100 km/h sprint is a relaxed 11.4 seconds, heading towards a 135 km/h top speed. While not a rocket ship, it delivers that typical smooth, silent EV thrust perfect for city driving, and features regenerative braking to boost efficiency. It’s more about sensible commuting than scorching B-roads, offering a composed ride.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Focus Electric 23 kWh features a 19.6 kWh usable battery capacity (23 kWh nominal) operating on a 400V architecture. Green Cars Compare estimates a real-world range of around 119 km, with an efficiency of 6.07 km/kWh. Charging is AC-only for this trim, via a Type 1 (J1772) port even on European models, so you'll need the right cable for many public Type 2 spots. The standard 6.6 kW on-board charger can top it up from empty in about 3-4 hours. Unfortunately, there's no DC fast-charging capability on this specific 23 kWh version.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Ford didn't skimp on safety with the Focus platform, and this electric version inherited a strong foundation, reflected in its 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit typically included multiple airbags, stability control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Depending on the specific market and trim level chosen when new, you might find a rear-view camera and parking sensors. More advanced driver-assistance systems like Active City Stop (low-speed autonomous emergency braking) or blind-spot monitoring were often available as optional extras rather than standard fit on this particular variant.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2017 Ford Focus Electric 23 kWh would have come with Ford's standard European warranty, typically 2 years with unlimited kilometres for the vehicle. The crucial high-voltage battery usually received separate, longer coverage, often around 8 years or 160,000 km, protecting against significant degradation. Powertrain components related to the electric drive were also covered. Maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than an ICE car – no oil changes! However, as a discontinued, older EV, current aftermarket support and battery health are key considerations for prospective buyers.