Pros and Cons:
New to the FFE, and this board. Lots of great info, and I used much of it to make my final decision to lease a 2013 white FFE. I have had it two weeks now and love it. In that period I have noticed the following Pros and Cons based on what prospective buyers post as well as my own experiences. This is what I have noticed so far:
Cons:
1. Range
2. Battery encroachment on storage
3. Cost
4. Recharge times
Make sure you read through and get to the Pros as well.
I will now address each one of these realistically on my observations:
1. Range: True, this is a 'local' car. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and it works perfectly for my daily needs and is actually possible to do trips up and down the coast with a little change in normal combustion planning. I have gone from San Mateo to Santa Cruz and back. I have gone to Mt. Tamalpais from San Mateo, and back. If all cars had a 76 mile range, we would all just accept it. This car changes my thought process and just makes me plan trips differently. The range has not limited my normal travels during the week. True, it won't make it to Tahoe in a reasonable period of time, but that is what rentals, friends, motorcycle, etc., are for. Plus, with a 15,000 mile/year lease, I only get 41 miles/day on my lease. So the range, charging times (see below), and lease limitations all equal out at about 15,000 miles/year. To be doing more than the 76 mile range per day/year means I would have to be driving more than 27,740 miles/year.
2. Battery encroachment on storage: Some people whine about this when reviewing this car. Yes, the battery is obvious and takes a significant part of the rear storage. However, it has not limited my gear carrying abilities in any way. How often do you fill to the max the back of your car? I'm betting not often. Therefore this becomes a non-issue for most people. Plus, with no gas tank, Ford has created storage beneath the back deck, increasing storage a bit from the normal Focus in that area. I can easily fit my bicycle in the back. I can fit two people, surfing gear, bags, backpacks, and a good size cooler in the back. (The two people sit up front, obviously). I have not had a moment where I wished for more storage.
3. Cost: Yup, it's got a pricey retail sticker. Showing a top of the line sticker of $41,585. However, with current incentives in California, you get $10,750 back, making this a $30,835 car. I am leasing mine, and therefore the lease is only on the $30,835 amount, and at .25%. After three years I will most likely want the new technology, and the pricing is presently right. If I spec out a similar Focus Titanium, Automatic, etc., it comes out to $25,985. Sure, about $5,000 cheaper. Let’s just take a look at where that $5,000 will be made up:
-No oil changes. Factor in oil changes at 3,000 miles, that’s 5 oil changes a year, roughly $40/change. $200/year.
-No gas. Let’s use 32 mpg for the Focus Titanium. I’ve got a 15,000 mile/year lease. That’s 468 gallons. At $4.15/gallon/87 octane presently in my area, that is $1,942.20. However, factor back in electricity costs, estimated by Ford at $600/year, that is now $1,342.20 extra/year for the Titanium in gas.
-Tires and brakes remain fairly equivalent, I am going to assume, in terms of replacement, and not going to be a factor in a 3 year lease.
-No maintenance. Nothing. Basically ever. Until 150,000 miles. Then a fluid change for the battery coolant. You could use the Titanium maintenance schedule for comparison:
http://www.automobilemag.com/am/99/2013/ford/focus/titanium_hatchback/3340/ownership_costs.html
Pulling the relevant bits out, let’s say it has $500 of maintenance for the first three years. We’re not counting depreciation or other non-directly related costs in a three year term.
Totals: This makes the total cost of the Titanium $4,026.60 for gas, $600 for oil, and $500 for other maintenance. That totals out at $5,126.60 over three years. That is more than the cost of the Electric over three years. Yes, take this with a grain of salt. Basically, they are roughly equal in cost over the first three years.
4. Recharge times: Considering a daily commute runs me about 40 miles, and the distance I go on average for exercise options and friends adds another 20, my max general day is only 60 miles. This is well within the range of the FFE. Charge times on 240 give about 20 miles range per hour. Charge times on 120 give about 3.8 miles range per hour. Sounds dismal, right? Well, 3.8/hour x 12 hours gets me 45.6 miles. That is more than my typical commute. And considering the places I go otherwise, there are 240v free charge stations nearby. I can go exercise, come back, and my car is full in 2-3 hours. (About 3.5 hours from empty). If I pay $2.00/hour at the local Walgreens, which seems to be the most expensive charging stations around, that still equates to about $7 to fill the car from empty. If I am getting 76 miles per charge, then my $7 of electricity charging at Walgreens is getting me $9.85 worth of gas range. (still using 32mpg Titanium equivalent). That means I am getting the equivalent of a 41.28 mpg car. So still, decent and not making me wish I bought a hybrid. I just avoid the Walgreens stations... plenty of free and cheaper ones.
Pros:
Here are the Pros I have seen so far:
1. No maintenance
2. Quiet
3. Environmentally friendly (Yes, loaded topic, I am only addressing the lack of tailpipe here)
4. Less moving parts. Less ‘infrastructure’ and possible failure points. For example, no gas tank, fuel pumps, injectors, gas motor, etc.
5. Design
1. No Maintenance: Besides normal wear and tear such as tires and brakes, there is truly NOTHING to do to this car. Even the maintenance manual only recommends changing the battery coolant fluid at 150,000 miles. So basically nothing for 10 years. Sure, then you’re reaching the perceived ‘battery replacement’ time frame. A lot can happen in ten years. Only saying that to reflect on the idea that replacements and recycling of EV batteries in ten years time can evolve dramatically. I refrain from further speculation.
2. Quiet: This car is QUIET! Not totally isolating quiet like a top end luxury car with the windows rolled up. Quiet enough that you can hear some outside noise with the windows up, but NO engine noise. A barely perceptible motor hum. I tested the approaching noise level for pedestrians with a friend. We found the tire road noise to be adequately noticeable from 500 feet. Much less noise than a combustion car, but still plenty of noise for anyone on the street to hear you coming. I test drove the Titanium gas powered version of the Focus and did not like the engine noise, never mind the screaming it made when pushed hard. Plus I am finding I am becoming a more attentive driver. I hear surrounding noises better. There isn’t a reflected engine noise when in congested areas either. The entire experience is fantastic. Now imagine the pleasure of not hearing the engine droning sound of most roadways…
3. Environmentally friendly: Well, I said it in the Pro’s list. No tailpipe. Sure, the electricity gets made somewhere. That is a whole other discussion with way too many variables to accurately debate without focus on a specific state or county level region. But no emissions is still NO emissions. No possible petroleum leaks from fluids that it doesn’t have. No chance to kill anyone with carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Less Moving Parts: One electric motor. One gear. This car removes all the complexity of the combustion motor, transmission, fluids, drive axles (if compared to rear wheel drive), fans, intakes, and other relative combustion based necessities. Less moving, less to fail. Period. Then there is all the infrastructure necessary for those moving parts. Belts, exhaust piping, gas piping, catalytic converter, etc.
5. Design: This is the first Ford vehicle I have looked at in quite a while and been impressed with the design. It seems some of the design approach from when Ford owned Aston Martin has been assimilated. This car, with the leather interior, is truly enjoyable. The heated seats are great. Every button and feature seems to have been thought about. I am not going to scrutinize the MyFord SYNC issues here, but even that only has marginal issues. All human contact points have been thought about, finished well, and designed appropriately. Seriously, this is a Ford? Made in America? Yes. And the entire car comes together in its overall approach to a high end small car.
All said and done, if the 76 mile range fits into your daily average, then this car is absolutely fantastic. All the whining and moaning of grumpy reviewers aren’t taking the full picture into account. The Cons listed and reported truly do not affect the majority of people looking for a great commuting car. I love this car.
New to the FFE, and this board. Lots of great info, and I used much of it to make my final decision to lease a 2013 white FFE. I have had it two weeks now and love it. In that period I have noticed the following Pros and Cons based on what prospective buyers post as well as my own experiences. This is what I have noticed so far:
Cons:
1. Range
2. Battery encroachment on storage
3. Cost
4. Recharge times
Make sure you read through and get to the Pros as well.
I will now address each one of these realistically on my observations:
1. Range: True, this is a 'local' car. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and it works perfectly for my daily needs and is actually possible to do trips up and down the coast with a little change in normal combustion planning. I have gone from San Mateo to Santa Cruz and back. I have gone to Mt. Tamalpais from San Mateo, and back. If all cars had a 76 mile range, we would all just accept it. This car changes my thought process and just makes me plan trips differently. The range has not limited my normal travels during the week. True, it won't make it to Tahoe in a reasonable period of time, but that is what rentals, friends, motorcycle, etc., are for. Plus, with a 15,000 mile/year lease, I only get 41 miles/day on my lease. So the range, charging times (see below), and lease limitations all equal out at about 15,000 miles/year. To be doing more than the 76 mile range per day/year means I would have to be driving more than 27,740 miles/year.
2. Battery encroachment on storage: Some people whine about this when reviewing this car. Yes, the battery is obvious and takes a significant part of the rear storage. However, it has not limited my gear carrying abilities in any way. How often do you fill to the max the back of your car? I'm betting not often. Therefore this becomes a non-issue for most people. Plus, with no gas tank, Ford has created storage beneath the back deck, increasing storage a bit from the normal Focus in that area. I can easily fit my bicycle in the back. I can fit two people, surfing gear, bags, backpacks, and a good size cooler in the back. (The two people sit up front, obviously). I have not had a moment where I wished for more storage.
3. Cost: Yup, it's got a pricey retail sticker. Showing a top of the line sticker of $41,585. However, with current incentives in California, you get $10,750 back, making this a $30,835 car. I am leasing mine, and therefore the lease is only on the $30,835 amount, and at .25%. After three years I will most likely want the new technology, and the pricing is presently right. If I spec out a similar Focus Titanium, Automatic, etc., it comes out to $25,985. Sure, about $5,000 cheaper. Let’s just take a look at where that $5,000 will be made up:
-No oil changes. Factor in oil changes at 3,000 miles, that’s 5 oil changes a year, roughly $40/change. $200/year.
-No gas. Let’s use 32 mpg for the Focus Titanium. I’ve got a 15,000 mile/year lease. That’s 468 gallons. At $4.15/gallon/87 octane presently in my area, that is $1,942.20. However, factor back in electricity costs, estimated by Ford at $600/year, that is now $1,342.20 extra/year for the Titanium in gas.
-Tires and brakes remain fairly equivalent, I am going to assume, in terms of replacement, and not going to be a factor in a 3 year lease.
-No maintenance. Nothing. Basically ever. Until 150,000 miles. Then a fluid change for the battery coolant. You could use the Titanium maintenance schedule for comparison:
http://www.automobilemag.com/am/99/2013/ford/focus/titanium_hatchback/3340/ownership_costs.html
Pulling the relevant bits out, let’s say it has $500 of maintenance for the first three years. We’re not counting depreciation or other non-directly related costs in a three year term.
Totals: This makes the total cost of the Titanium $4,026.60 for gas, $600 for oil, and $500 for other maintenance. That totals out at $5,126.60 over three years. That is more than the cost of the Electric over three years. Yes, take this with a grain of salt. Basically, they are roughly equal in cost over the first three years.
4. Recharge times: Considering a daily commute runs me about 40 miles, and the distance I go on average for exercise options and friends adds another 20, my max general day is only 60 miles. This is well within the range of the FFE. Charge times on 240 give about 20 miles range per hour. Charge times on 120 give about 3.8 miles range per hour. Sounds dismal, right? Well, 3.8/hour x 12 hours gets me 45.6 miles. That is more than my typical commute. And considering the places I go otherwise, there are 240v free charge stations nearby. I can go exercise, come back, and my car is full in 2-3 hours. (About 3.5 hours from empty). If I pay $2.00/hour at the local Walgreens, which seems to be the most expensive charging stations around, that still equates to about $7 to fill the car from empty. If I am getting 76 miles per charge, then my $7 of electricity charging at Walgreens is getting me $9.85 worth of gas range. (still using 32mpg Titanium equivalent). That means I am getting the equivalent of a 41.28 mpg car. So still, decent and not making me wish I bought a hybrid. I just avoid the Walgreens stations... plenty of free and cheaper ones.
Pros:
Here are the Pros I have seen so far:
1. No maintenance
2. Quiet
3. Environmentally friendly (Yes, loaded topic, I am only addressing the lack of tailpipe here)
4. Less moving parts. Less ‘infrastructure’ and possible failure points. For example, no gas tank, fuel pumps, injectors, gas motor, etc.
5. Design
1. No Maintenance: Besides normal wear and tear such as tires and brakes, there is truly NOTHING to do to this car. Even the maintenance manual only recommends changing the battery coolant fluid at 150,000 miles. So basically nothing for 10 years. Sure, then you’re reaching the perceived ‘battery replacement’ time frame. A lot can happen in ten years. Only saying that to reflect on the idea that replacements and recycling of EV batteries in ten years time can evolve dramatically. I refrain from further speculation.
2. Quiet: This car is QUIET! Not totally isolating quiet like a top end luxury car with the windows rolled up. Quiet enough that you can hear some outside noise with the windows up, but NO engine noise. A barely perceptible motor hum. I tested the approaching noise level for pedestrians with a friend. We found the tire road noise to be adequately noticeable from 500 feet. Much less noise than a combustion car, but still plenty of noise for anyone on the street to hear you coming. I test drove the Titanium gas powered version of the Focus and did not like the engine noise, never mind the screaming it made when pushed hard. Plus I am finding I am becoming a more attentive driver. I hear surrounding noises better. There isn’t a reflected engine noise when in congested areas either. The entire experience is fantastic. Now imagine the pleasure of not hearing the engine droning sound of most roadways…
3. Environmentally friendly: Well, I said it in the Pro’s list. No tailpipe. Sure, the electricity gets made somewhere. That is a whole other discussion with way too many variables to accurately debate without focus on a specific state or county level region. But no emissions is still NO emissions. No possible petroleum leaks from fluids that it doesn’t have. No chance to kill anyone with carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Less Moving Parts: One electric motor. One gear. This car removes all the complexity of the combustion motor, transmission, fluids, drive axles (if compared to rear wheel drive), fans, intakes, and other relative combustion based necessities. Less moving, less to fail. Period. Then there is all the infrastructure necessary for those moving parts. Belts, exhaust piping, gas piping, catalytic converter, etc.
5. Design: This is the first Ford vehicle I have looked at in quite a while and been impressed with the design. It seems some of the design approach from when Ford owned Aston Martin has been assimilated. This car, with the leather interior, is truly enjoyable. The heated seats are great. Every button and feature seems to have been thought about. I am not going to scrutinize the MyFord SYNC issues here, but even that only has marginal issues. All human contact points have been thought about, finished well, and designed appropriately. Seriously, this is a Ford? Made in America? Yes. And the entire car comes together in its overall approach to a high end small car.
All said and done, if the 76 mile range fits into your daily average, then this car is absolutely fantastic. All the whining and moaning of grumpy reviewers aren’t taking the full picture into account. The Cons listed and reported truly do not affect the majority of people looking for a great commuting car. I love this car.
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