2018 Ford Electric Cars A Complete Guide to Models and Features

The 2018 Ford electric car lineup, led by the versatile Focus Electric, delivers practicality and eco-friendly performance for everyday drivers. With an EPA-estimated 118 MPGe and a 100-mile range, the Focus Electric stands out with its fast-charging capability and advanced tech like SYNC 3 infotainment and smartphone integration. Though Ford paused new EV launches this year, the 2018 models remain a smart, affordable entry into electric driving with strong reliability and a well-rounded feature set.

Key Takeaways

• 2018 Ford electric cars offer efficient performance with zero emissions.
• Focus Electric leads the lineup with 115 MPGe and 100-mile range.
• Fast charging available on select models, adding convenience for long trips.
• Regenerative braking enhances efficiency and extends battery life significantly.
• Smart tech integration includes SYNC 3 and smartphone app connectivity.
• Safety features like automatic emergency braking come standard across models.

Introduction to 2018 Ford Electric Cars: A Pivotal Year for Electrification

When Ford announced its aggressive electrification strategy in the mid-2010s, many industry watchers questioned whether the legacy automaker could compete with tech-focused newcomers like Tesla. By 2018, Ford answered those doubts with a clear vision: to blend its century of automotive expertise with cutting-edge electric technology. While not yet a full EV powerhouse, 2018 marked a turning point for Ford’s electric ambitions, introducing refreshed models, expanded charging partnerships, and a roadmap that would culminate in the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. For eco-conscious drivers, tech enthusiasts, and loyal Ford customers, the 2018 lineup signaled that the blue oval was serious about an electric future.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into Ford’s 2018 electric offerings, analyzing the models available, their features, real-world performance, and how they compared to competitors at the time. Whether you’re researching used electric vehicles or exploring Ford’s evolution toward sustainability, understanding the 2018 lineup provides crucial context for the automaker’s current and future EV dominance. From the practical Focus Electric to the innovative plug-in hybrid Escape, Ford’s 2018 portfolio balanced affordability, functionality, and innovation in ways that still resonate today.

Ford’s 2018 Electric Vehicle Lineup: Models and Availability

The 2018 model year saw Ford field a diverse range of electrified vehicles, from full battery-electric cars to plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids. This multi-pronged approach reflected Ford’s “portfolio strategy” for electrification—offering options for different budgets, driving needs, and infrastructure readiness. Here’s a breakdown of the key models:

Focus Electric: Ford’s Sole Battery-Electric Car

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric remained the company’s only full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in North America. As a compact hatchback, it targeted urban commuters and environmentally conscious drivers seeking a zero-emission daily driver. Key details:

• Availability: Limited to select states (CA, OR, NY, NJ, MD, CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, ME) due to ZEV mandates
• MSRP: $29,120 (before federal tax credit)
• Production Volume: Only 1,345 units sold in the U.S. in 2018 (per InsideEVs data)
• Target Audience: City dwellers with access to charging infrastructure

Practical Tip: The Focus Electric’s limited availability meant many customers had to work with dealers in ZEV states for special orders. Buyers should verify local incentives—some states offered additional rebates beyond the federal $7,500 tax credit.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Ford’s plug-in hybrid lineup expanded in 2018, offering the best of both electric and gasoline power:

• C-Max Energi: Compact MPV with 21 miles electric range, 38 mpg combined gas mode
• Fusion Energi: Midsize sedan with 26 miles electric range, 42 mpg combined
• Escape PHEV: New for 2018, the first plug-in hybrid SUV in Ford’s lineup with 30 miles electric range

These models appealed to drivers wanting electric capability without range anxiety. The Fusion Energi, for example, could cover most daily commutes on electricity alone while providing 600+ miles of total range when the gas engine engaged.

Conventional Hybrids

For buyers not ready for plug-in technology, Ford offered:

• Fusion Hybrid: 43 mpg city, 41 mpg highway
• Escape Hybrid: 44 mpg city, 37 mpg highway
• C-Max Hybrid: 42 mpg combined

Key Insight: The 2018 Escape Hybrid was notable as the first hybrid version of Ford’s best-selling SUV, signaling the company’s commitment to electrifying its most popular models.

Performance and Range: How 2018 Models Measured Up

When evaluating electric vehicles, range and performance are paramount. The 2018 Ford lineup offered a spectrum of capabilities that revealed Ford’s strategic positioning in the EV market.

Focus Electric: Range and Real-World Driving

The 2018 Focus Electric featured a 33.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering:

• EPA Range: 115 miles (city/highway combined)
• Real-World Range: 95-105 miles in mixed driving (per owner reports)
• Charging Speed:
  • Level 2 (240V): ~5 hours for full charge
  • DC Fast Charging (CCS): 30 minutes for 80% charge

Example: A driver with a 45-mile round-trip commute could complete 2-3 days of driving before recharging, assuming overnight Level 2 charging. The DC fast charging capability made occasional longer trips feasible with strategic planning.

Plug-In Hybrid Range Comparison

Ford’s PHEVs offered electric-only range sufficient for most daily commutes, with gasoline backup for longer journeys:

• Fusion Energi: 26 miles electric + 610 miles gas = 636 miles total
• Escape PHEV: 30 miles electric + 520 miles gas = 550 miles total
• C-Max Energi: 21 miles electric + 570 miles gas = 591 miles total

Performance Note: The Escape PHEV’s electric motor delivered 118 horsepower, sufficient for smooth city driving. However, the combined 200 hp (electric + gas) felt underpowered compared to the 245 hp standard Escape, particularly when merging onto highways.

Charging Infrastructure and Compatibility

Ford partnered with ChargePoint and Greenlots in 2018 to provide:

• Free 250 kWh charging at public stations for first two years
• Mobile app for finding and paying at stations
• Home charging installation support (via third parties)

Practical Tip: Focus Electric owners received a dual-port charging station (Level 2 + DC CCS) at purchase, while PHEV buyers got a standard Level 2 charger. This reflected Ford’s understanding that BEV drivers needed faster charging solutions.

Technology and Features: Inside the 2018 Ford EVs

Ford’s 2018 electric lineup wasn’t just about propulsion systems—it showcased the automaker’s commitment to integrating advanced technology, connectivity, and driver assistance features across its electrified portfolio.

SYNC 3 Infotainment System

All 2018 Ford EVs came equipped with the SYNC 3 system, a major upgrade from previous versions with:

• 8-inch touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Enhanced voice recognition with natural language processing
• Navigation with real-time traffic and charging station locations

Real-World Example: The navigation system’s “EV Trip Planner” could calculate routes with charging stops, factoring in battery level, traffic, and elevation changes. For a Focus Electric owner driving from San Diego to Los Angeles, the system recommended a 20-minute fast charge at a CCS station in Oceanside—saving the driver from range anxiety.

FordPass Connect and Remote Features

All models included FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (up to 10 devices) and these remote capabilities via smartphone app:

• Start/stop charging
• Precondition cabin temperature
• Check battery level and range
• Find nearby charging stations
• Lock/unlock doors

Pro Tip: Preconditioning the cabin while still plugged in could add 5-10 miles of range in winter months by using grid power instead of battery power to heat the interior.

Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite debuted on 2018 models, standard on most EVs:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Lane-Keeping System
• Rear View Camera with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control (on higher trims)

Feature Highlight: The Focus Electric offered optional Active Park Assist—a semi-autonomous parking system that could parallel or perpendicular park the car with minimal driver input. While not as advanced as Tesla’s Summon feature, it demonstrated Ford’s investment in driver assistance tech.

Regenerative Braking and Driving Modes

All EVs featured multiple regenerative braking levels:

• Standard Mode: Moderate regen for smooth stops
• High Regen: “One-pedal driving” capability (Focus Electric and PHEVs)
• Low Regen: For highway driving or towing

The Focus Electric’s “B” mode provided particularly aggressive regen, allowing experienced drivers to maximize energy recapture and minimize brake wear.

Cost of Ownership and Value Proposition

When comparing EVs to conventional vehicles, total cost of ownership (TCO) is often more important than sticker price. Ford’s 2018 electric lineup offered compelling value propositions across different ownership scenarios.

Purchase Price and Incentives

The following table compares 2018 model pricing and available incentives:

Model	Base MSRP	Federal Tax Credit	CA CVRP Rebate	Effective Price (CA)
Focus Electric	$29,120	$7,500	$2,500	$19,120
Fusion Energi	$31,120	$4,682	$1,500	$24,938
Escape PHEV	$32,650	$4,819	$1,500	$26,331
C-Max Energi	$27,120	$4,007	$1,500	$21,613

Note: Federal tax credits phased out after manufacturers sold 200,000 qualifying vehicles. Ford reached this threshold in Q4 2019, so 2018 buyers received full credits.

Operating Costs: Electricity vs. Gasoline

Annual fuel cost comparison (12,000 miles/year, $3.50/gallon gas, $0.14/kWh electricity):

• Focus Electric: $560 (14 kWh/100 miles)
• Fusion Energi: $680 (electric) + $480 (gas) = $1,160
• Escape PHEV: $700 (electric) + $780 (gas) = $1,480
• Conventional Escape (25 mpg): $1,680

Cost-Saving Tip: PHEV owners who charge regularly and drive mostly in electric mode (like the 30-mile daily commute) could save up to 60% on fuel costs compared to gas-only vehicles.

Maintenance and Reliability

EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs:

• No oil changes (saves $500+/5 years)
• Reduced brake wear from regen (saves $300+/5 years)
• No transmission servicing (saves $1,000+/10 years)
• 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (covers 70% capacity retention)

Real-World Data: Consumer Reports found Ford EVs had average reliability, with the Focus Electric scoring 3/5 for predicted reliability but 4/5 for owner satisfaction—suggesting the lower maintenance costs outweighed any minor issues.

2018 Ford EVs in Context: Competition and Legacy

To fully appreciate Ford’s 2018 electric offerings, they must be viewed through the lens of the broader EV market and the company’s own trajectory.

Market Position and Competitors

In 2018, Ford’s EV strategy differed from key competitors:

• Tesla: Focused exclusively on BEVs (Model 3, S, X) with longer ranges (220+ miles) but higher prices
• Chevrolet: Bolt EV (238 miles) and Volt PHEV (53 miles electric) offered more range but less interior space
• Nissan: Leaf (151 miles) had more range than Focus Electric but fewer tech features
• Hyundai/Kia: Ioniq and Niro offered competitive PHEVs at similar price points

Strategic Insight: Ford’s portfolio approach allowed it to serve more customers—urban BEV buyers with the Focus Electric, suburban families with the Escape PHEV, and cost-conscious commuters with conventional hybrids.

Sales Performance and Market Response

2018 sales figures revealed Ford’s challenges and opportunities:

• Focus Electric: 1,345 units (down from 1,817 in 2017)
• Fusion Energi: 6,758 units (down from 10,827 in 2017)
• Escape PHEV: 4,120 units (strong debut for new model)
• Total Ford EV Sales: ~25,000 units (0.5% of Ford’s total 2018 sales)

The decline in BEV sales contrasted with industry growth, suggesting Ford needed more compelling electric offerings—a gap it would address with the 2020 Escape PHEV refresh and 2021 Mustang Mach-E.

Legacy and Evolution

The 2018 models laid crucial groundwork for Ford’s future EVs:

• Focus Electric’s CCS fast charging became standard on all subsequent Ford EVs
• SYNC 3’s EV-specific features evolved into the SYNC 4A system in the Mach-E
• FordPass app features expanded to support vehicle-to-home (V2H) in the F-150 Lightning
• Escape PHEV’s platform informed the 2023 Escape’s more efficient hybrid system

Historical Perspective: While the Focus Electric was discontinued in 2018, its battery technology and charging experience directly influenced the Mustang Mach-E’s 300+ mile range and 150 kW fast charging capability.

Conclusion: The Foundation of Ford’s Electric Future

The 2018 Ford electric lineup may not have set sales records or broken range benchmarks, but it represented a critical phase in the automaker’s transition toward sustainable mobility. By offering a spectrum of electrified vehicles—from the practical Focus Electric to the innovative Escape PHEV—Ford demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs of American drivers. The technology, features, and ownership experiences of these 2018 models directly informed the development of Ford’s current EV stars: the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit van.

For today’s buyers, 2018 Ford EVs present an affordable entry into electric driving. A well-maintained Focus Electric offers reliable urban transportation for under $15,000 on the used market, while the Escape PHEV provides SUV practicality with electric economy. These vehicles also showcase how Ford’s century of manufacturing expertise translates to electrification—from SYNC’s intuitive interface to the robust build quality that withstands daily use.

As the automotive industry moves toward an all-electric future, Ford’s 2018 models stand as a testament to the company’s strategic patience. Rather than rushing to compete with Tesla’s range numbers, Ford focused on creating a holistic EV ecosystem: vehicles for different needs, robust charging partnerships, and technology that enhances the ownership experience. This approach, refined through the 2018 lineup, now positions Ford as a serious contender in the EV era. Whether you’re researching your first electric vehicle or studying the evolution of American automakers, Ford’s 2018 electric cars offer valuable lessons in balancing innovation with practicality—a lesson as relevant today as it was five years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

What 2018 Ford electric cars are available?

Ford’s 2018 electric lineup primarily features the Ford Focus Electric, their only fully electric vehicle for that year. The 2018 Focus Electric offers an EPA-estimated 115 MPGe combined with a 100-mile range, targeting urban commuters seeking an affordable EV option.

How does the 2018 Ford Focus Electric compare to gas models?

The 2018 Focus Electric delivers instant torque for quicker acceleration than gas-powered trims while maintaining similar cargo space and interior features. However, its 100-mile range makes it better suited for short commutes than long-distance travel compared to gasoline variants.

What are the charging options for 2018 Ford electric cars?

The 2018 Focus Electric supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, with a full charge taking ~14 hours on Level 2. It also includes access to FordPass Charging Network, helping drivers locate public stations during extended trips.

Does the 2018 Ford Focus Electric have fast charging?

No, the 2018 Focus Electric lacks DC fast charging capability, unlike some competitors. This means longer recharge times compared to EVs with CCS or CHAdeMO compatibility, making it better for overnight or workplace charging.

What safety features do 2018 Ford electric cars include?

Standard safety tech includes AdvanceTrac stability control, rearview camera, and MyKey parental controls. The Focus Electric also retains the gas model’s 5-star NHTSA crash rating while adding battery-specific safeguards like automatic power cutoff during impacts.

Are there incentives for buying a 2018 Ford electric car?

Buyers could qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the 2018 Focus Electric, with additional state/local incentives possible. These incentives help offset the EV’s higher upfront cost compared to gas-powered Focus models.