Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus BEV

Our verdict on the all-electric version of the big-selling Ford Focus

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,397 off RRP*
Find your Ford Focus
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

As with all electric cars, the Focus BEV is hampered by its limited range, long recharging time and high price. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it drives well and feels comfortable. It’s just not a true alternative to a regular petrol or diesel car yet. The plug-in hybrid tech coming for the C-MAX will be a better bet.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This electric Ford Focus could be the most important plug-in car yet. The Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) goes on sale in September and will cost at least £25,000, including the £5,000 Government discount.

The powertrain consists of a lithium-ion battery pack and a 130bhp electric motor, which gives a range of about 100 miles and a 0-60mph time in the region of 9.5 seconds.

Top speed is close to 90mph and a recharge using a standard household plug should take eight hours, although Ford 
has plans to market its own high-current recharging packs.

The car weighs about 200kg more than a petrol-engined Focus, but engineers have done a good job of minimising the impact. Select Drive on the automatic-style selector and the car creeps gently forward in complete silence.

Acceleration from rest is brisk thanks to the 335Nm of torque, but tails off artificially at about 50mph to preserve the battery charge.

The ride is comfortable and the handling is almost as nimble as in a standard Focus, complete with well weighted and responsive steering.

Heat produced when you brake is stored as electrical energy in the batteries, while the brakes feel much smoother than those in a Nissan Leaf.

However, living with the Focus BEV on an everyday basis will prove to be tougher than with a standard Focus. The twin battery packs that provide the power are mounted under the rear seats and in the boot, which reduces the 
luggage space to nearly half that of the regular hatch’s.

In the way it drives and looks, the Focus is one of the best electric cars yet – but it’s still easy to find compromises. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Focus

Ford Focus

RRP £20,955Avg. savings £2,397 off RRP*Used from £6,995
Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

RRP £26,090Avg. savings £4,590 off RRP*Used from £13,400
KIA Ceed

KIA Ceed

RRP £19,965Used from £8,599
Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £21,035Avg. savings £2,371 off RRP*Used from £11,300
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025