A Florida family was shocked to discover that replacing the battery in their 2014 Ford Focus Electric would cost $14,000—more than the $11,000 they paid for the car. The vehicle, purchased as a first car for 17-year-old Avery Siwinski, had only 60,000 miles when they bought it in 2022. While the teen initially loved her quiet, eco-friendly ride, issues began cropping up just six months later when the car abruptly stopped working.
The root of the problem was the battery, which Ford no longer manufactures due to discontinuing the model. This left the family with limited options, as the cost of replacement was prohibitively high and no secondhand market existed for this type of battery. Avery expressed frustration over the lack of manufacturer support, noting that the situation has left many other owners without functional cars.
Avery’s grandfather, Ray, stepped in to help, noting that exorbitant battery costs are a widespread issue in the electric vehicle market. He cautioned prospective EV buyers to thoroughly research the potential costs of replacement parts and maintenance. For perspective, traditional car batteries typically cost a few hundred dollars, whereas EV batteries can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
The family now advises others to weigh the long-term costs of owning an EV, especially for older or discontinued models. While electric cars are often praised for their efficiency and environmental benefits, this experience highlights the potential pitfalls of navigating their evolving technology and support systems.
