2014 Ford Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2014 Ford electric car lineup, led by the Focus Electric, delivers impressive efficiency with a 110 MPGe rating and a quiet, responsive ride. Boasting advanced tech like SYNC infotainment and a 76-mile range, it strikes a smart balance between innovation and practicality for eco-conscious drivers. While not the longest-range EV, its fast-charging capability and refined interior make it a standout in its class.

Key Takeaways

• Efficient performance: Delivers 112 MPGe, ideal for urban commuting.
• Quick acceleration: 0-60 mph in 9.9 seconds, responsive for city driving.
• Limited range: 76-mile range may require planning for longer trips.
• Fast charging: 30-minute quick charge adds 30 miles via DC fast charger.
• Spacious interior: Comfortable seating and cargo space enhance practicality.
• Tech-forward cabin: SYNC infotainment system improves connectivity and usability.
• Eco-friendly value: Low operating costs and federal tax credits boost affordability.

The Rise of Ford’s Electric Ambitions in 2014: A Turning Point

The year 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Ford’s journey toward electrification. As global awareness of climate change intensified and automakers raced to innovate, Ford responded with a bold statement: the 2014 Ford Focus Electric. This all-electric compact car wasn’t just another entry into the growing EV market—it was Ford’s commitment to blending American engineering with sustainable mobility. Unlike earlier hybrid experiments, the Focus Electric represented a full leap into battery-powered transportation, offering zero-emission driving without compromising on the brand’s signature driving dynamics.

At a time when Tesla’s Model S was capturing headlines and Nissan’s Leaf was the best-selling EV, Ford aimed to carve its niche with a vehicle that balanced practicality, affordability, and performance. The 2014 Ford electric car lineup, though limited to a single model, signaled a strategic shift. Ford wasn’t just testing the waters; it was building a foundation for future electrified vehicles like the Fusion Hybrid and, eventually, the Mach-E. For eco-conscious drivers, city commuters, and early EV adopters, the Focus Electric offered a compelling proposition: a well-rounded, American-made electric vehicle with a familiar nameplate and a promise of innovation.

Design and Interior: Where Practicality Meets Modernity

Exterior Styling: Subtle EV Cues with Ford DNA

The 2014 Ford Focus Electric retained the sleek, aerodynamic silhouette of its gasoline-powered sibling but added subtle yet effective electric-specific touches. Up front, the closed-off grille—replaced with a smooth panel—signaled its zero-emission identity, while unique 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires enhanced efficiency. LED daytime running lights and a rear spoiler contributed to a modern aesthetic, and the charging port was cleverly integrated into the left front fender, accessible via a flush-mounted door. Ford avoided the “futuristic” overkill seen in some EVs, opting instead for a design that felt familiar yet forward-thinking.

One standout feature was the optional panoramic sunroof, a rarity in compact EVs at the time. It flooded the cabin with natural light and gave the car a more premium feel, appealing to buyers who wanted both sustainability and comfort. The color palette included exclusive shades like “Ingot Silver” and “Tuxedo Black,” further distinguishing it from its internal combustion counterpart.

Interior Quality and Tech Integration

Inside, the Focus Electric shared much of its cabin with the standard Focus, but with key upgrades. The dashboard featured a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Ford’s SYNC with MyFord Touch, which included voice-activated controls, navigation, and smartphone integration (Bluetooth and USB). While the interface was intuitive, early adopters noted that the system could lag during multitasking—a common issue in 2014-era infotainment tech.

Seats were wrapped in cloth or optional leather, with supportive bolsters ideal for daily commutes. Rear legroom was adequate for a compact car, though taller passengers might find the sloping roofline limiting headroom. Storage was well-thought-out: the center console housed a wireless charging pad (a novel feature at the time), and the 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space remained unchanged from the gas model, thanks to the battery’s underfloor placement.

Pro Tip: To maximize cabin efficiency, use the climate control’s “Eco” mode, which pre-cools or preheats the car while plugged in, reducing energy drain during driving.

Performance and Driving Experience: Power, Range, and Real-World Use

Motor and Battery Specifications

The 2014 Focus Electric was powered by a 107-kilowatt (143 horsepower) permanent-magnet electric motor, drawing energy from a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Torque peaked at 184 lb-ft, delivering brisk acceleration from a standstill—0 to 60 mph in approximately 9.8 seconds. While not a speed demon, the car felt agile in city traffic, with instant torque providing confident merges and quick responses at stoplights.

The battery’s placement under the floor lowered the center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. Regenerative braking was adjustable via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to choose between low, medium, or high regen modes. High regen effectively enabled “one-pedal driving” in urban settings, where lifting off the accelerator slowed the car significantly, recapturing energy and reducing brake wear.

Range and Charging Infrastructure

Ford rated the Focus Electric’s range at 76 miles (122 km) on a full charge, placing it below competitors like the Nissan Leaf (84 miles) and Tesla Model S (265 miles). However, real-world tests showed a more conservative 60–70 miles, depending on driving conditions. For most urban commuters, this was sufficient—especially with access to workplace or public charging.

Charging options included:

• Level 1 (120V AC): 20+ hours for a full charge (ideal for overnight charging).
• Level 2 (240V AC): 3–4 hours with a 6.6 kW onboard charger (recommended for daily use).
• DC Fast Charging: Not available on the 2014 model, a notable limitation compared to the Leaf.

Example: A driver with a 30-mile round-trip commute could charge fully over a weekend and drive all week without plugging in, assuming no highway use or extreme temperatures.

Driving Dynamics and Comfort

On the road, the Focus Electric delivered a quiet, smooth ride, with minimal road and wind noise—a hallmark of EVs. The suspension tuned for comfort, absorbing potholes and rough pavement better than the gas-powered Focus. However, the added weight of the battery (over 500 lbs more than the gas model) made the car feel slightly heavier in corners, though steering remained precise and responsive.

For long-distance drivers, the range limitation required careful planning. A road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis (200+ miles) would necessitate multiple charging stops, making the car better suited for regional or local use. Still, its 110 MPGe efficiency (combined city/highway) made it a cost-effective choice for daily driving.

Technology and Innovation: Ford’s Smart EV Features

SYNC with MyFord Touch and Remote Connectivity

The 2014 Focus Electric debuted Ford’s advanced infotainment suite, SYNC with MyFord Touch, which included:

• Voice-controlled climate, navigation, and media.
• Smartphone app integration for remote climate pre-conditioning.
• Real-time charging station locator via GPS.

The system allowed drivers to set charging schedules (e.g., charging during off-peak electricity rates) and receive alerts for low battery or charging completion. For example, a user could schedule charging from 11 PM to 5 AM when electricity rates were lowest, saving money and reducing grid strain.

Regenerative Braking and Energy Management

Ford’s regenerative braking system was among the most intuitive in its class. The paddle shifters let drivers adjust regen on the fly:

• Low: Coasting similar to a gas car.
• High: Aggressive energy recapture, ideal for stop-and-go traffic.

A digital “Power Flow” display on the instrument cluster showed real-time energy use, helping drivers optimize efficiency. For instance, accelerating gently and coasting to stops could extend range by 5–10% in city driving.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Standard safety features included:

• Six airbags.
• Electronic stability control.
• Rearview camera (a rarity in base models at the time).

Optional packages added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, enhancing safety in crowded urban environments. The car’s battery was housed in a reinforced steel cage, meeting rigorous crash-test standards.

Cost of Ownership and Incentives: Is It Worth It?

Pricing and Trim Options

The 2014 Focus Electric was offered in a single, well-equipped trim priced at $35,200—significantly higher than the gas-powered Focus ($17,170) but competitive for EVs. Standard features included:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Heated front seats.
• Keyless entry and ignition.

Optional packages added the panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and navigation, pushing the price to ~$39,000. While steep, this included a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

Federal and State Incentives

The car qualified for a $7,500 federal tax credit, effectively reducing the price to $27,700. Many states offered additional incentives:

• California: $2,500 rebate (Clean Vehicle Rebate Project).
• Colorado: $5,000 tax credit.
• New York: $2,000 rebate.

Combined, these could lower the effective cost to under $20,000 in some regions—making the Focus Electric a financially sound choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Long-Term Savings and Maintenance

EVs have fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance costs. The Focus Electric required:

• No oil changes.
• No transmission fluid replacements.
• Reduced brake wear (thanks to regen).

Annual electricity costs averaged $600 (at $0.13/kWh for 12,000 miles), compared to ~$1,500 for gasoline. Over 10 years, owners could save $9,000+ in fuel and maintenance.

Comparative Analysis: How the 2014 Focus Electric Stacks Up

Head-to-Head with Key Competitors

The 2014 EV market was dominated by the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Spark EV, and Tesla Model S. Here’s how the Focus Electric compared:

Feature	Ford Focus Electric	Nissan Leaf (SL)	Chevrolet Spark EV	Tesla Model S (60 kWh)
Range (EPA)	76 miles	84 miles	82 miles	208 miles
Horsepower	143	107	140	362
0-60 mph	9.8 sec	11.5 sec	7.2 sec	5.9 sec
Base Price	$35,200	$28,980	$26,685	$69,900
DC Fast Charging	No	Yes (CHAdeMO)	Yes (CHAdeMO)	Yes (Tesla Supercharger)
Infotainment	SYNC with MyFord Touch	NissanConnect	Chevrolet MyLink	Tesla Touchscreen

The Focus Electric’s strengths included its refined interior, Ford’s brand familiarity, and strong warranty. However, its lack of fast charging and lower range than the Leaf made it less ideal for road-trippers. The Spark EV offered better acceleration, while the Model S dominated in range and performance—but at a premium price.

Who Should Buy the 2014 Focus Electric?

The car was best suited for:

• Urban commuters: Short daily drives within its 70-mile range.
• Tech-savvy buyers: Appreciated SYNC’s remote features and energy tracking.
• Incentive seekers: Leveraged tax credits to offset the high upfront cost.

For buyers needing long-range or fast charging, alternatives like the Leaf were better options. But for those prioritizing comfort, tech, and Ford’s reliability, the Focus Electric was a standout.

Final Verdict: A Promising Step Forward for Ford

The 2014 Ford Focus Electric was more than just a compliance car—it was a statement. Ford proved that an American automaker could deliver a polished, practical EV with cutting-edge tech and a familiar driving experience. While it faced stiff competition in range and charging speed, its strengths in interior quality, infotainment, and long-term ownership costs made it a viable choice for early adopters.

Looking back, the Focus Electric laid the groundwork for Ford’s future electrification strategy. Its SYNC system evolved into today’s SYNC 4, and its battery management principles influenced the Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. For 2014, the Focus Electric wasn’t the best EV on the market—but it was a smart, forward-thinking entry that balanced innovation with real-world usability. As Ford continues its electric revolution, the 2014 Focus Electric remains a milestone in the journey toward sustainable mobility.

For buyers today, the 2014 Focus Electric offers a budget-friendly entry into used EVs, with prices now ranging from $8,000–$15,000. While its range feels modest by today’s standards, its reliability, low maintenance, and nostalgic charm make it a compelling option for eco-conscious drivers. In the end, Ford’s 2014 electric car wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a vision of the future, driven by the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the 2014 Ford electric car?

The 2014 Ford Focus Electric stands out with its 143-hp electric motor, 76-mile EPA-estimated range, and advanced tech like SYNC voice control and regenerative braking. It also includes standard features like heated seats, LED lighting, and a 120V/240V charging system for faster recharging.

How does the 2014 Ford Focus Electric compare to gas-powered models?

The 2014 Ford electric car offers smoother, quieter acceleration than its gas-powered counterparts, with instant torque and no tailpipe emissions. However, its 76-mile range limits long-distance travel compared to traditional fuel models.

What is the charging time for the 2014 Ford electric car?

Using a 240V Level 2 charger, the 2014 Ford Focus Electric can fully charge in about 3-4 hours. With a standard 120V household outlet, it takes approximately 20 hours for a full charge.

Is the 2014 Ford Focus Electric reliable for daily commuting?

Yes, the 2014 Ford electric car is ideal for daily commutes under 70 miles, especially in urban settings with access to charging stations. Its compact size and efficient energy use make it a practical eco-friendly choice.

Does the 2014 Ford electric car support fast charging?

No, the 2014 Ford Focus Electric does not support DC fast charging—it relies on Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging only. This means longer wait times compared to newer EVs with fast-charging capabilities.

What is the battery warranty on the 2014 Ford Focus Electric?

The 2014 Ford electric car comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, covering defects and capacity loss below a specified threshold. This provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.