How far can the Focus Electric go?

[jeffand]

The Ford Focus Electric has battery pack that stores a limited amount of energy before it needs to be recharged. So the interesting question is; how far can the Focus go on a single charge? Since the Leafs absolute maximum range under idea driving condition is 138 miles. This is done when the car is driven at 38 MPH with the climate control off. So last August I decided to find out what the FFE would do.

Diving conditions
About 74 degrees
Climate control off
Road condition, few stops some gentle rolling hills.
Average speed 45 MPH except for some small towns.
At the two thirds point of the trip I did make a pit stop.

Results
Actual distance travel 100 miles.
Remaining 9 miles estimated by the computer.
Traveling at 45 MPH distance that could be travel is about 109 miles.

What speed will allow the FFE to travel the greatest distance?

 

[klusters]

So the greatest distance would be at much lower speeds, with the tires fully inflated, maybe over slightly over-inflated and driving on level ground. Check out this link to the Nissan Leaf range chart: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=101293#p101293

Presumably the speed at which wind resistance a nonfactor will give you the best range, although we would be around 10mph or so at that point.

 

[jeffand]

Interesting it says in the fine type that the Leafs max range is achieved at 12 MPH. At 12 MPH the wind resistance will be very low. Also note in the fine print, how heat and cold affects the range. As for rolling resistance it is important that the tires are properly inflated. Also it's important select a low rolling resistance tire when it comes time to replace them. A tire with a high rolling resistance would adversly affect range.

 

[whitgallman]

Would you consider drafting an 18 wheeler on the interstate at 60 mph? I got down to 200 W-hr/mile that way.

 

[jeffand]

I would stay back at least 2 and half car lengths under only the best driving conditions. The closer you are the greater the risk, also the more stone hits your car will take. The faster the truck is traveling the longer the air cone behind the it will be. Even traveling at a distance of 4 car lengths a noticable benifit can be gained. Under rain condtions this distance should be increased as much as 7 car lengths or more, due to greater stoppind distance, and water spray coming off the truck.