A replacement battery pack for a 2016 Ford Focus Electric can cost between $11,000 and $14,000, not including additional parts and labor.
Ford
has been a leader in the automotive industry for over a century and is known for producing vehicles that promise quality, value, and efficiency. And in the 21st century, Ford is among the few companies that genuinely want to offer customers a range of transportation services—not just producing and selling cars. The five-door Focus Electric hatchback was launched in 2011 and closely resembled the regular Focus, with a more aerodynamic front end. But while the Focus Electric may be an excellent buy for people looking to save on fuel, electric vehicle (EV) repairs and replacements can be expensive—especially when it comes to their batteries.
With a relatively short lifespan, there’s a chance you’ll have to replace your Ford Focus Electric’s battery within its lifetime, so it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what it will cost. Read on for a detailed guide of everything you need to know.
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How much does it cost to replace a 2016 Ford Focus Electric battery?
While there are no concrete costs, the average cost to replace a 2016 Ford Focus Electric battery is between $11,000 and $14,000.
Remember that this is the cost for only the battery—you’ll also have to add on the cost of replacement parts (connectors and wiring, for example) and labor. If your Focus needs any repairs or replacement parts, you may be looking at a couple hundred dollars. And depending on your car’s condition, labor costs are estimated at around $500 to $650, according to RepairPal.
That said, Ford offers a comprehensive warranty for all hybrid and electric vehicles called Hybrid/Electric Unique Component Coverage, which protects your vehicle for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. So, if your 2016 Ford Focus Electric battery needs replacing, it’s worth checking if it’s still under warranty to save you a considerable chunk of change.
Can you put a new battery in an old Ford Focus Electric?
Although replacing a battery on a gas-powered car is relatively simple, it’s not quite the same on an electric vehicle. High-voltage batteries aren’t something to play around with.
Upgrading the battery on your 2016 Ford Focus Electric from the standard 23 kWh to the newer and more powerful 33.5-kWh battery is possible—and it offers almost 50% more capacity and range.
However, before you get your hopes up, there’s no official document stating that it’s a quick fix. Battery replacements and upgrades are possible in some EVs, but it will depend on the vehicle make and model, as it’s not as simple as swapping one out for the other. The battery “upgrade” isn’t just a software change; it’s also a change in hardware.
So, while battery replacement may be relatively simple on a Tesla
, where OTA (over the air) updates are done via software, other EVs—like the Hyundai Kona
, Chevy Bolt
, and even the Ford Focus Electric—aren’t as straightforward or easy. Keep in mind that most EV batteries are designed to last at least 10 years. Many will begin to lose their capacity to hold a charge, but they’re not likely to completely fail. That means you won’t have to worry about your EV dying while you’re flying down the freeway—but wanting more power and charge is another story.
Ford Focus Electric battery capacity and range
Wondering how the 2016 Ford Focus Electric battery compares to other years? The Focus Electric was discontinued in 2018 and used only two batteries.
Check out the table below for comparing the battery capacity and driving range for the different Focus Electric model years.
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How long does a 2016 Ford Focus Electric battery last?
While you may be hoping for a Tesla battery's 300,000 to 500,000-mile lifespan, you won’t find it with Ford. However, the carmaker’s EV batteries are manufactured to the same quality and standards as their regular ones, meaning that you can guarantee performance.
That said, Ford doesn’t provide details on the exact lifespan of its electric batteries. Your battery's lifespan depends on your driving habits, where you drive, and the climate.
But in general, Consumer Reports estimates the average EV battery will last about 200,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. That equates to roughly 17 years if you’re driving around 12,000 miles per year.
Ford does note in the warranty details that the lithium-ion battery (EV battery) in your Focus Electric will experience gradual capacity loss over time, which is considered normal wear and tear on the vehicle. On average, EV batteries degrade at about 2.3% of maximum capacity per year. So, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect your EV battery to last longer than the drivetrain components.
While batteries may not degrade that quickly, there are some ways you can extend your Ford battery's life and avoid having to replace it.
Be consistent about charging: Consistent charging habits can help extend the life and health of your Focus battery. Although routine charging won’t increase the range (that can only be done by upgrading the battery size), it will help to maintain it.
Don’t charge to 100%: Like your phone or laptop battery, most experts recommend against fully charging your vehicle’s battery to 100%. Instead, let it charge to 90% or 95%. Even though a full charge will provide maximum range, it doesn’t maximize your battery’s lifespan.
Use regenerative braking: All electric vehicles have regenerative braking to help convert kinetic energy into chemical energy to recharge the battery and extend the range. You can see how much energy you’re putting back into your Focus on the instrument cluster.
Charge more frequently: Rather than letting your battery drain, charge it more frequently to 90-95%, and avoid letting it fall below 20%.
Avoid fast chargers: While they may be convenient, especially when you’re on the go, fast chargers put a lot of strain on your EV battery, which causes them to degrade faster. Eight years of standard charger use gives you approximately 10% more battery life compared to eight years of fast charging.
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