Driving to optimize range between charges, 8introduction – FORD 2013 Focus Electric User Manual

Page 8

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Braking: Your electric vehicle is equipped with standard hydraulic
braking and regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by
your transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery. This system greatly improves driving range especially in
stop and go city traffic.

Driving to optimize range between charges

Your range should improve throughout your electric vehicle’s break-in
period. Range, like fuel economy in a standard vehicle, can be
significantly impacted by your driving habits and accessory usage. For
best results, keep in mind these tips:

Tire Inflation: Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.

Drive Habits: Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy
required to move your vehicle. In general, better range is achieved with
mild to moderate acceleration and deceleration. Also, this vehicle has the
longest range when driving at slower speeds. When practical, driving on
surface streets instead of high speed highways will increase range. Mild
to moderate braking is particularly important since it allows you to
maximize the energy captured by the regenerative braking system.

Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads
• Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase

aerodynamic drag

• Observe posted speed limits
• Perform all scheduled maintenance
• Pre-conditioning the vehicle cabin while it is on plug will reduce the

energy expenditure on climate control and improve range. Refer to
High voltage battery in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter.

8

Introduction

2013 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)

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