2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback Model Highlights Ford Cars Focus

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback delivers eco-friendly performance with a 115 MPGe rating and a 100-mile range, making it a smart choice for urban commuters. Packed with tech like SYNC 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and advanced safety features, it balances efficiency with modern convenience. With zero emissions and a sleek hatchback design, it’s a standout in Ford’s electrified lineup—proof that green driving doesn’t mean sacrificing style or substance.

Key Takeaways

• Zero emissions: Drive clean with 100% electric powertrain.
• 115 MPGe: Achieve exceptional efficiency in city driving.
• Fast charging: Recharge 80% in under 30 minutes.
• Smart tech: Sync 3 infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Spacious hatch: Maximize cargo with foldable rear seats.
• Regen braking: Extend range via one-pedal driving mode.

Introduction to the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback represents a pivotal step in Ford’s journey toward sustainable, eco-friendly transportation. As one of the few fully electric compact hatchbacks available at the time, the Focus Electric stood out in a market dominated by gas-powered vehicles and early hybrid contenders. With a sleek, modern design, advanced technology, and a growing network of charging infrastructure, this model appealed to environmentally conscious drivers who didn’t want to sacrifice style, comfort, or performance. The 2018 refresh brought significant improvements over previous iterations, making it not just a viable electric option but a compelling one for city commuters, eco-enthusiasts, and tech-savvy families alike.

Built on the same award-winning platform as the gasoline-powered Focus, the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback combines Ford’s reputation for reliability with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. It was designed with practicality in mind—offering hatchback versatility, a roomy interior, and a quiet, smooth ride. Whether you were navigating downtown traffic or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Focus Electric delivered a refined driving experience. Ford.com highlighted this model as a key player in the brand’s broader electrification strategy, emphasizing its role in reducing emissions, lowering fuel costs, and offering a seamless transition for drivers new to EVs. With competitive pricing, government incentives, and a growing network of fast-charging stations, the 2018 Focus Electric was more than just a car—it was a statement about the future of mobility.

Performance and Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Driving Pleasure

Electric Motor and Battery Specifications

The heart of the 2018 Ford Focus Electric is its 107-kilowatt (143 horsepower) electric motor, powered by a 33.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup delivers 184 lb-ft of torque right from the start, providing brisk acceleration and a responsive driving experience—especially in stop-and-go city traffic. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors offer instant torque, and the Focus Electric leverages this to deliver a smooth, quiet, and surprisingly peppy ride. The battery is mounted low in the chassis, which helps lower the center of gravity and improves handling, giving the car a planted, confident feel on the road.

One of the key upgrades in the 2018 model was the expanded battery capacity. Earlier versions had a 23-kWh battery, but the 2018 Focus Electric increased this to 33.5 kWh, which significantly boosted its real-world range. This enhancement addressed one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers: range anxiety. The larger battery allowed for more consistent performance and better energy retention during daily commutes and short highway trips.

Range and Charging Options

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric boasts an EPA-estimated range of **115 miles** on a full charge. While this may not match the 200+ mile ranges of newer EVs, it was competitive for its time and more than sufficient for most urban and suburban drivers. According to Ford.com data, the average American commute is around 30 miles per day, meaning the Focus Electric could easily handle a week’s worth of driving on a single charge—especially with the option to plug in overnight.

Charging flexibility is another strong point. The Focus Electric supports three charging levels:

• Level 1 (120V AC): Uses a standard household outlet. A full charge takes approximately 19–20 hours—ideal for overnight charging at home.
• Level 2 (240V AC): Requires a home charging station or public charging unit. Charging time drops to about 5 hours, making it perfect for daily use. Ford offered a home charging station (the Ford Connected Charge Station) that could be installed by certified electricians.
• DC Fast Charging (optional): With the optional DC fast charging package, drivers could replenish up to 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes—ideal for longer trips or quick top-ups during errands.

Pro Tip: To maximize battery life and efficiency, Ford recommends charging to 80% regularly and only going to 100% when necessary (e.g., before a long trip). The vehicle’s onboard energy management system helps monitor battery health and temperature, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Driving Modes and Regenerative Braking

The 2018 Focus Electric offers multiple driving modes to optimize performance and efficiency:

• Normal Mode: Balanced performance for everyday driving.
• Eco Mode: Limits acceleration and HVAC usage to extend range.
• Regen Mode: Maximizes regenerative braking, which captures energy when decelerating and feeds it back into the battery. This mode allows for “one-pedal driving” in many situations—lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly, reducing wear on brake pads.

Regenerative braking is a standout feature. In city driving, it can recover up to 25% of the energy used, significantly improving efficiency. Drivers quickly adapt to the system, and many report enjoying the smoother, more controlled deceleration compared to traditional brakes. Ford.com even included a tutorial video on how to master regenerative braking, emphasizing its benefits for both range and driving comfort.

Exterior Design and Aerodynamics: Sleek, Smart, and Efficient

Styling and Aerodynamic Enhancements

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback shares its overall design language with the gasoline-powered Focus, but with several EV-specific tweaks to improve aerodynamics and efficiency. The front fascia features a closed grille—since electric vehicles don’t require large air intakes for engine cooling—giving the car a clean, modern look. The grille is accented with blue trim, a signature Ford Electric design cue that signals its eco-friendly nature. LED daytime running lights and automatic headlamps enhance visibility while reducing energy consumption.

Aerodynamics are crucial for electric vehicles, as reduced drag directly improves range. The Focus Electric includes several design elements to minimize wind resistance:

• Active grille shutters (on non-EV models) are replaced with a smooth, sealed front end.
• Underbody panels help streamline airflow.
• Unique 17-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels reduce turbulence and rolling resistance.

These features contribute to a drag coefficient of just **0.29**, which is excellent for a compact hatchback. Ford engineers used wind tunnel testing to refine the design, ensuring the Focus Electric slips through the air with minimal effort—maximizing efficiency and range.

Color Options and Exterior Features

The 2018 Focus Electric was available in a range of vibrant and sophisticated colors, including:

• Oxford White
• Shadow Black
• Ingot Silver
• Blue Candy Metallic (exclusive to the Electric model)
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

All colors were paired with body-color bumpers, side mirrors, and door handles for a cohesive, premium appearance. The hatchback design offers excellent cargo access, with a wide rear opening and a low lift-over height—ideal for loading groceries, strollers, or luggage.

Additional exterior features include:

• Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Rear wiper and defroster
• LED taillights for improved visibility and lower power draw
• Keyless entry with push-button start

Tip: The Blue Candy Metallic paint not only looks striking but also reflects sunlight better than darker colors, helping to keep the cabin cooler—especially in sunny climates. This can reduce the load on the air conditioning system, further improving efficiency.

Interior Comfort, Technology, and Connectivity

Cabin Design and Material Quality

Inside, the 2018 Ford Focus Electric offers a modern, driver-focused cabin with high-quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, with soft-touch surfaces, chrome accents, and a minimalist layout. The centerpiece is the **8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen**, which serves as the hub for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The seats are upholstered in premium cloth (with optional leather-trimmed seating), and the driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable, ensuring comfort on long drives.

Despite its compact size, the Focus Electric provides ample headroom and legroom for four adults. Rear passengers enjoy 33.2 inches of legroom, and the flat floor (thanks to the electric drivetrain) makes the middle seat more comfortable than in many rivals. The hatchback design adds versatility, with **14.2 cubic feet** of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to **43.9 cubic feet** with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down.

SYNC 3 Infotainment and Smart Features

The SYNC 3 system is one of the best in its class, offering:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Voice-activated controls for navigation, music, and calls
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability (requires FordPass Connect subscription)
• Real-time traffic and weather updates

Ford.com highlighted SYNC 3’s responsiveness and intuitive menu layout, noting that it outperformed many competitors in user satisfaction surveys. The system also integrates with the **FordPass app**, which allows owners to:

• Remotely start the vehicle (to pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin)
• Check battery charge level and range
• Locate charging stations
• Schedule charging times (to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates)

Pro Tip: Use the FordPass app to set a charging schedule. Charging during off-peak hours (e.g., 11 PM–6 AM) can save up to 40% on electricity costs, depending on your utility provider.

Climate Control and Comfort Features

The Focus Electric includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system, which is rare in compact EVs. This allows the driver and front passenger to set individual temperature preferences—a big plus for comfort. The system is also designed to be energy-efficient, with a heat pump option that uses less power than traditional resistive heating.

Other comfort highlights:

• Heated front seats and steering wheel (standard)
• Power sunroof (optional)
• Rearview camera with guidelines
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Premium Sony audio system with 10 speakers

The cabin is exceptionally quiet, thanks to the lack of engine noise and additional sound-deadening materials. This makes for a serene driving experience, especially on highways.

Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

Standard and Available Safety Features

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric earned a **5-star overall safety rating** from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thanks to its strong structure and comprehensive safety suite. Standard features include:

• Advanced airbag system (front, side, and curtain)
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution
• Stability and traction control
• MyKey system (lets owners set speed and audio volume limits for teen drivers)

Available driver assistance technologies (part of the **Driver Assist Technology Package**) include:

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Lane-Keeping System
• Adaptive cruise control (not available on all trims)

The BLIS system uses radar sensors to monitor blind spots and alerts the driver with a light in the side mirror if a vehicle is detected. Cross-traffic alert is especially useful when backing out of parking spaces, warning of approaching vehicles from the sides.

Crash Test Performance and Structural Integrity

In IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) tests, the Focus Electric performed well in most categories, earning “Good” ratings in moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests. The battery pack is encased in a reinforced steel cage, protecting it in the event of a collision. Ford also included a safety cut-off system that automatically disconnects the battery in a crash to prevent electrical hazards.

Ford.com emphasized the importance of structural safety in EVs, noting that the Focus Electric’s body-in-white design was optimized to protect both occupants and the high-voltage battery. This dual focus on passenger and battery safety set a benchmark for compact electric vehicles.

Pricing, Incentives, and Ownership Experience

MSRP and Available Trims

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric was offered in a single well-equipped trim level, priced at an **MSRP of $29,120** (before incentives). This included all the standard features mentioned above, such as SYNC 3, heated seats, LED lighting, and the 8-inch touchscreen. Optional packages included:

• DC Fast Charging Package (+$1,195)
• Driver Assist Technology Package (+$995)
• Leather-trimmed seats (+$895)

Compared to rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt, the Focus Electric offered a strong value proposition, especially with available incentives.

Federal and State Incentives

Buyers of the 2018 Focus Electric were eligible for a **federal tax credit of up to $7,500**, depending on their tax liability. Many states also offered additional rebates, such as:

• California Clean Vehicle Rebate: $2,500
• Colorado EV Tax Credit: $5,000
• New York Drive Clean Rebate: $2,000

These incentives could reduce the effective price to well under $20,000 in some regions. Ford.com provided a detailed incentive calculator to help buyers estimate their savings based on location and income.

Maintenance, Warranty, and Total Cost of Ownership

Electric vehicles like the Focus Electric have lower maintenance costs than gas-powered cars. With no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about, routine maintenance is minimal. Ford’s warranty coverage includes:

• 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 8-year/100,000-mile battery and electric drivetrain warranty

According to Ford.com data, Focus Electric owners reported **30–40% lower annual maintenance costs** compared to gasoline Focus models. Electricity is also cheaper than gasoline—on average, it costs about $500 per year to charge the Focus Electric (vs. $1,500+ for gas).

Data Table: 2018 Ford Focus Electric vs. Key Competitors

Feature	2018 Ford Focus Electric	2018 Nissan Leaf	2018 Chevrolet Bolt
MSRP (before incentives)	$29,120	$29,990	$36,620
Range (EPA)	115 miles	150 miles	238 miles
Charging Time (0–80%, Level 2)	5 hours	7.5 hours	9.5 hours
DC Fast Charging	Optional	Standard	Standard
Cargo Space (max)	43.9 cu ft	30 cu ft	56.6 cu ft
Warranty (Battery)	8 years/100,000 miles	8 years/100,000 miles	8 years/100,000 miles

Conclusion: Why the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Still Matters

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback may not have the longest range or the flashiest features of today’s EVs, but it remains a smart, practical, and forward-thinking choice for drivers entering the electric era. With its balanced blend of efficiency, comfort, safety, and technology, the Focus Electric proved that eco-friendly driving doesn’t have to mean compromise. Its refined interior, responsive handling, and robust charging options made it a standout in the compact EV segment—and a testament to Ford’s commitment to innovation.

For urban commuters, environmentally conscious families, or anyone seeking a low-maintenance, high-value vehicle, the 2018 Focus Electric delivers. Its strong warranty, available incentives, and lower operating costs add to its long-term appeal. While newer models offer more range and tech, the Focus Electric still holds up as a reliable, well-rounded EV—especially in the used market, where it offers exceptional value.

As Ford continues to expand its electric lineup with models like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, the 2018 Focus Electric stands as a foundational chapter in the brand’s electrification story. It’s a car that didn’t just follow the trend—it helped define it. Whether you’re browsing Ford.com for your first EV or considering a sustainable upgrade, the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback is a model worth remembering—and driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback?

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback boasts a 107-kW electric motor, 143-mile range, and fast-charging capability (80% in 30 minutes). It also includes SYNC 3 infotainment, heated front seats, and advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring. These highlights make it a standout in the 2018 Ford Focus Electric lineup.

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

Unlike gas-powered Focus models, the Electric version delivers instant torque, zero emissions, and lower maintenance costs. However, it shares the same hatchback design, cargo space (14.2 cu ft), and Ford Cars Focus platform. The trade-off is a shorter driving range compared to gasoline variants.

Is the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback good for daily commuting?

Yes, with a 143-mile range and 118 MPGe efficiency, it’s ideal for urban commutes. Regenerative braking and one-pedal driving enhance city usability, making the 2018 Ford Focus Electric Hatchback a practical eco-friendly choice for short-to-medium distances.

What charging options does the 2018 Ford Focus Electric support?

It supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, with a 7.2-kW onboard charger. Using a Level 2 station, you can fully recharge in 4-5 hours, while DC fast charging (optional) restores 80% in 30 minutes—perfect for quick top-ups.

Does the 2018 Ford Focus Electric have modern tech features?

Absolutely. It includes Ford’s SYNC 3 system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system. Additional perks like remote climate control via the FordPass app enhance convenience for tech-savvy drivers.

What safety features are included in the 2018 Ford Focus Electric?

The model offers advanced driver aids like lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and rearview camera. Standard stability control and airbags complement these features, aligning with Ford Cars Focus’s commitment to safety in electric vehicles.