2016 Ford Focus EV Review - Choosing a Familiar Wrapper - 2016 Ford Focus EV 107 kilowatts permanent electric traction mot...
2016 Ford Focus EV |
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107 kilowatts permanent electric traction motor magnet (143 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) A speed Automatic FWD 110 city / 99 highway / combined 104.5 (EPA Rating, MPGe) base price: $ 30.045 (US) / $ 33.699 (Canada) As Tested: $ 31.940 (US) / $ 35.249 (Canada) All prices include $ 875 destination fee to States and US $ 1,700 for freight, PDI fees, and tax A / C in Canada. |
The debate over the relative merits of electric vehicles is certain to be ongoing for years to come. For some, it represents the new frontier in engineering and automotive design. electric vehicles for the masses; more oil taken from the soil and clean air for all. It is an interesting concept, but I'm not fully convinced at this moment in history to throw all my petrol chips in this stack and call.
Companies such as Tesla have made significant waves in the industry and I think they will continue to enjoy success in the future. I think Elon Musk is a pioneer of the automobile in the same vein as Karl Benz and Henry Ford. I do not question the idea of electric vehicles for all; I just saw a balance between gasoline, diesel, electric and possibly hydrogen powered vehicles as a better alternative; at least for now.
It seems Ford is hedging its paris this combination as well. I recently had the chance to test 2016 Ford Focus EV for a week. In short, I am very impressed by most. It was comfortable, quick to accelerate, look-a-like EV and turned a surprising number of heads, which to me is always a good thing.
But is it a car I would buy? On this issue, I keep my cards close to my chest.
Exterior
The emphasis in this case is to watch as focus than other models while providing enough differences to get consumers to think about driving an EV. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, but do not look like a duck, can it still be considered a duck? In this case, I say yes.
The development is egg-shaped with rounded clean lines, a front windshield significantly sloping and side windows that start high at the front, then quickly reduce the size to tiny triangular windows at the rear. An obvious difference is the outlet to the front of the driver's side, while setting the non-electrically has a fuel cap to the rear of the passenger side. While the Focus RS coming racy looks and in-your-face, the Focus EV appears refined aerodynamically efficient and quietly unassuming.
A color- and black grille and exclusive chrome door handles key to distinguish the look. HID automatic headlights that track the road you turn are standard. Likewise is a rear roof spoiler and rear wiper. One feature I like in particular is the port ring external LED load. It lights blue you connect, completing the circle once the vehicle is fully charged. aluminum 17-inch wheels add an extra elegant touch of class.
Interior
Inside, the seats is designed for four to five adults, although I would not want you sit in the back for too long if I really had to adult size. Legroom is at a premium in the Focus EV and squashing three bodies in its rear space for longer than a short ride is very uncomfortable.
Eco-conscious cloth seats made with organic soy-foam is standard on the Focus EV. My tester had the leather seating package option, which adds elegance to the stylish interior looks much more attractive than a soy derivative.
A four-spoke steering wheel highlights brushed metal accents to go along with similar lights on the dashboard, door handles and shift knob. Dual-zone automatic temperature control, excellent Sony audio system with Sync 3 and navigation are standard on the Focus EV.
The good news is the Focus EV has a rear space. The bad news there is not much in the way of the space with the battery and charging cord taking prime real estate. When it's just you two, or three at most, this is still a hatchback and the seats can be folded for an extra bedroom. But with a full load, forget nothing other than bring along one or two bags, a set of clubs or a few bags of groceries. This is a vehicle designed to be driven around the city and not designed for the weekend.
Technology
you expect an electric vehicle to offer a multitude of electronic goodies inside and the focus EV does not disappoint.
Smart gauge with Eco Assist is not only easy to read but can actually provide some entertainment as you try to reach a maximum EV driving results. As your economy improves, more butterflies appear on the right side of the dashboard. Get it right and a kaleidoscope full of blue moths will fly past the screen. If you prefer a different look, both 4.2-inch color LCD displays are configurable driver.
of remote start and remote preconditioning cab are standard. Charging your smartphone or other accessory is easily dealt with two USB ports. Load the vehicle is just as easy. Ford indicates a full charge using 240 volts requires 3.6 hours any standard household 0-volt charge takes up to 20 hours. In my tests, I was able to reach a full charge in 12 hours using a standard 0 volt outlet.
Training
a permanent magnet electric traction motor 107 kilowatts is powered by a liquid-cooled battery, lithium-ion 23 kilowatts. Matched with an automatic transmission of a speed, it delivers 143 horsepower which drives the front wheels. Acceleration is fast enough, but not super fast. Zero to 60 happens in 9.9 seconds, but it feels quicker in real driving conditions. Lag is nonexistent; hit the pedal "gas" with your right foot and go!
The maximum speed limit is 86 mph with a maximum range of 76 miles. During a week and with external temperatures ranging in the 60s in the mid to upper, the best I was able to achieve was 68 miles on a full charge. This forced me to drive at highway speeds of 50-55 miles per hour and re-generate power with the brakes at every opportunity. EPA-estimated MPGe evaluates the Focus EV to 110 city / 99 hwy.
As a city car, 2016 Ford Focus EV is excellent. With a range more expected next year, the 2017 model can drive on the road a little more often. For those living in urban areas who would prefer never having to drive into a gas station again, this could be your next car. However, if you are traveling longer distances of 50 miles round trip to work, sitting traffic at rush hour on a daily basis, you will need to learn to live with a little anxiety beach.
Price
The price of the 2016 Ford Focus EV starts at $ 29.170. Our tester was equipped with leather seats optional for an additional $ 995 and introduced platinum white paint for $ 595 on top of that. Ford also equipped our setting at test point with the packaging of external protection and $ 245 graphics port door charge $ 60 for a total MSRP of $ 31,940.
Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay much less than the tax credits EV vehicles are fashionable. For example, living in California would qualify for a tax credit of $ 9,750, which reduces your MSRP of $ 22.10. This compares favorably with the Nissan Leaf S as the main competitor.
It is obvious why electric vehicles are more and more attention given the incentives available and the appeal of never having to buy gas again. That said, I still think gasoline engines have a lot left in the tank, so stay tuned for what's next in this area. Having recently driven new 1.0 liter petrol engine from Ford in a new Focus, results and costs were very similar and I had no anxiety to overcome.
Is not it nice to have a choice?
Disclosure :. Ford Canada provided the vehicle and insurance for the purpose of this review
[Images: © 2016 Jeff Voth/The Truth About Cars]
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