I have a 2013 Focus Electric, built 3/13, Software version 4.29. It is an amazing machine, and I am still learning its features. I have several suggestions on common sense improvements, which I hope will be of interest to Ford and forum readers:
Charge % Display - Ford's Range Estimate is a good attempt at forecasting remaining range based on driving habits. However, it is greatly influenced by recent patterns, such as going up and down hills, leading to dubious predictions. For those of us with regular commuting destinations, per cent battery charge is a better measure for gauging range. This can be seen roughly on the Message Center battery "thermometer" display, but it is actually available as a number in the "My GO Time" screen, lost among all the "value charge" settings.
Request: Make the numerical Charge % available on the Message Center, perhaps as a footnote item.
Daytime Running Lights - These are a valuable safety feature in all but bright sunlight, though they do use some power. The FFE already has an automatic light sensor to turn on the headlights in the dark.
Request: Make the darkness sensor driver-adjustable so that it could be set to come on in overcast, low light conditions if desired. This would essentially give daytime running lights, while saving power in bright sunlight conditions.
Fresh Air - It is silly to have to open windows for fresh air or to clear the windshield. This is noisy and increases aerodynamic drag.
Request: Provide a straightforward way to set the cabin fan to bring outside air to the vents or to clear the windshield without using power for heating or cooling.
Charging - The preoccupation with Range Anxiety and Fast Charging is getting tiresome. EVs are not universal, long distance cars, and pretending that they are can only lead to abuse and disappointment. Many of us who use our EVs within their capabilities are more interested in taking good care of the Lithium Ion battery. The way to do this is with slow overnight charging at home, possibly to slightly less than full charge. Level 1, 120 volt charging stations are a means to do this, but the FFE limits the 120 volt charge current to 12 amps (1.4 KW) which is sometimes not quite enough for an overnight charge. Clipper Creek sells 16 amp and 20 amp Level 1 charging stations, which would be ideal if the FFE would accept the increased current. It is also well known that Lithium Ion batteries are not happy when kept at full charge for long periods of time. Ford has apparently built some safety margin into the full charge voltage, but some owners might choose to improve on this. (The Nissan Leaf offers an optional 80% charge limit.)
Request: Upgrade the FFE onboard charger to accept up to 20 amps of 120 volt power. Better yet, make both Level 1 and Level 2 charging rates adjustable as part of the "My GO Time" screen, as well as adding selections for the full charge level, down to 80% charge.
Thanks for listening !
Charge % Display - Ford's Range Estimate is a good attempt at forecasting remaining range based on driving habits. However, it is greatly influenced by recent patterns, such as going up and down hills, leading to dubious predictions. For those of us with regular commuting destinations, per cent battery charge is a better measure for gauging range. This can be seen roughly on the Message Center battery "thermometer" display, but it is actually available as a number in the "My GO Time" screen, lost among all the "value charge" settings.
Request: Make the numerical Charge % available on the Message Center, perhaps as a footnote item.
Daytime Running Lights - These are a valuable safety feature in all but bright sunlight, though they do use some power. The FFE already has an automatic light sensor to turn on the headlights in the dark.
Request: Make the darkness sensor driver-adjustable so that it could be set to come on in overcast, low light conditions if desired. This would essentially give daytime running lights, while saving power in bright sunlight conditions.
Fresh Air - It is silly to have to open windows for fresh air or to clear the windshield. This is noisy and increases aerodynamic drag.
Request: Provide a straightforward way to set the cabin fan to bring outside air to the vents or to clear the windshield without using power for heating or cooling.
Charging - The preoccupation with Range Anxiety and Fast Charging is getting tiresome. EVs are not universal, long distance cars, and pretending that they are can only lead to abuse and disappointment. Many of us who use our EVs within their capabilities are more interested in taking good care of the Lithium Ion battery. The way to do this is with slow overnight charging at home, possibly to slightly less than full charge. Level 1, 120 volt charging stations are a means to do this, but the FFE limits the 120 volt charge current to 12 amps (1.4 KW) which is sometimes not quite enough for an overnight charge. Clipper Creek sells 16 amp and 20 amp Level 1 charging stations, which would be ideal if the FFE would accept the increased current. It is also well known that Lithium Ion batteries are not happy when kept at full charge for long periods of time. Ford has apparently built some safety margin into the full charge voltage, but some owners might choose to improve on this. (The Nissan Leaf offers an optional 80% charge limit.)
Request: Upgrade the FFE onboard charger to accept up to 20 amps of 120 volt power. Better yet, make both Level 1 and Level 2 charging rates adjustable as part of the "My GO Time" screen, as well as adding selections for the full charge level, down to 80% charge.
Thanks for listening !
