How long does it take to charge a Ford Focus battery?
For the typical Ford Focus with a conventional 12-volt starter battery, a full recharge from a discharged state generally takes about 6 to 12 hours on a standard home charger. If you own a Focus Electric, the traction battery charges faster with Level 2 (home) and DC fast charging, typically around 3.5 to 4 hours on Level 2 and 30 to 60 minutes on DC fast charging, depending on the amount of charge left and charging equipment available.
Understanding which battery you’re charging
The Ford Focus line includes models with a traditional 12-volt lead‑acid battery and, in some markets, the Focus Electric with a high‑voltage traction battery. Each type has different charging times and requirements. The following sections break down typical scenarios for each battery type.
Charging the 12-volt starter battery
Before listing typical times, consider these factors that influence charging speed:
- Battery capacity (amperage-hour rating) and chemistry (lead-acid vs AGM)
- Charger current (amperage) and charger type (smart charger vs. trickle)
- Current state of charge and battery health
- Ambient temperature and climate, which affect charging efficiency
- Whether you are charging with the engine off using an external charger or relying on the alternator while driving
Typical timelines to recharge a healthy 12-volt battery in a Ford Focus vary with charger output. With a common 4–6 amp automotive charger, expect roughly 6–12 hours. If you can use a higher-output charger around 8–10 amps, the time drops to about 4–7 hours. Using very high-output charging (>10 amps) is less common for routine battery maintenance but can shorten the duration further.
In practice, note that the engine’s alternator charges the 12‑volt system while driving, but it is designed to maintain charge rather than restore a deeply discharged battery quickly. If the battery is severely depleted, it’s safer and more reliable to use a proper automotive charger rather than relying on driving to recharge it.
The takeaway: plan roughly a half-day window for a full 12-volt recharge on a modest charger, with faster results from higher-output charging equipment. Always verify your exact battery size and charging equipment against your vehicle’s manual.
Charging the Ford Focus Electric traction battery
For Focus Electric models, charging times depend on the charging method and the battery’s state of charge. The traction battery is significantly larger and designed for electric operation, so charging is considerably faster with appropriate equipment.
Before listing charging scenarios, note these baseline details: Focus Electric uses a high‑voltage lithium‑ion pack (approximately 23 kWh gross, with around 21–22 kWh usable in typical models). The onboard charger supports Level 2 charging up to about 6.6 kW, and public DC fast charging can provide higher power up to around 50 kW, depending on the station and battery temperature.
The following scenarios reflect common charging setups for the Focus Electric:
- Level 2 charging (about 6.6 kW) from a home or public 240V supply: roughly 3.5 to 4 hours to 100% from near-empty state of charge.
- DC fast charging (up to around 50 kW CCS) from a public station: about 30 to 40 minutes to reach around 80% capacity; reaching near 100% can take 50–60 minutes or slightly longer depending on battery temperature and state of charge.
- Low-rate home charging (3.3 kW) or slower Level 2 charging: typically 6–7 hours to full, depending on the exact charger and SOC.
In real-world use, many drivers top up to about 50–80% during daily commutes, which often yields shorter charging sessions and keeps the battery within an optimal charging window. DC fast charging is most practical for longer trips or when you need a rapid top‑up.
Summary
Charging times for a Ford Focus depend on the battery type. A standard 12-volt starter battery generally requires several hours (roughly 6–12 hours on a typical home charger, shorter with higher-output chargers). The Focus Electric’s traction battery charges much faster: roughly 3.5–4 hours on Level 2 (6.6 kW) and about 30–60 minutes on DC fast charging (50 kW), with actual times affected by current state of charge, battery temperature, charger capability, and station availability. For precise figures, consult your owner’s manual and consider the specific battery capacity and charging setup of your vehicle.
How long does it take for a car battery to charge if it's completely dead?
Charging a dead car battery can take anywhere from 30 minutes of driving to 24 hours or more, depending on the method used. A smart charger can fully charge a battery in 1 to 12 hours depending on its power, while a standard or trickle charger may take much longer, even up to 12 hours or more. Driving is best for a moderately discharged battery, but it's less effective for a deeply dead one.
Charging time by method
- Driving:
- Moderately drained: Around 30 minutes of highway driving can be enough to get the battery back to a usable state.
- Deeply drained: A deeply dead battery may take several hours of driving to fully recharge, and it might not be enough if the battery is old or damaged.
- Plug-in chargers:
- Smart/Multi-stage charger: These are more efficient and can take as little as 1 to 12 hours, depending on the charger's amperage and the battery's condition. A higher amperage (e.g., 10 AMP) will charge faster than a lower one (e.g., 2 AMP).
- Standard/Linear charger: These can take 24 to 36 hours or longer to fully charge a dead battery, depending on the amperage setting.
- Trickle charger: This is not recommended for a dead battery, as it charges so slowly that it can take days to charge the battery and is best for maintaining a charge on a stored vehicle.
Important considerations
- Battery health: If a battery is very old or has been deeply discharged, it may have suffered permanent damage and will not hold a charge properly, even with a full charge.
- Alternator's role: After a jump-start, it is recommended to let the car run for about 30 minutes to let the alternator charge the battery, preferably by driving rather than idling, which is less effective.
- Safety: Use the correct type of charger for your battery and always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage. A car battery can be permanently damaged if charged too quickly.
Is 20 minutes enough to charge a car battery?
More specifically, outings that last for at least 30 minutes and require traveling at highway speeds are effective at recharging a car battery. To ensure your battery remains charged, you should take 30-minute trips at highway speeds a minimum of three times per week.
Can you start a car while it's on a battery charger?
Yes, you can start a car while it's on a battery charger, but it depends on the charger and the battery's condition. You must ensure your charger is not a simple trickle charger and that you do not need to "jump start" the car, as most standard chargers don't provide enough power for this. Attempting to start a car with a completely flat battery while it's charging might overload or damage the charger or its internal fuse.
This video demonstrates how to jumpstart a car with a battery charger: 57sThe Outdoor OfficeYouTube · Nov 21, 2019
Before you start
- Check the battery and charger: The car will only start if the battery has enough charge. Some chargers won't initiate charging if the battery is too far depleted, so you may need to wait several hours or use a different method.
- Use a high-amperage charger: A car needs a lot of amperage (around 36-72 amps) to start the engine. A standard battery charger usually only provides 1-2 amps over a long period, but a charger with a "start" or "high current" setting can provide the necessary amperage for a short time.
- Ensure safety: Ensure the charger cables are not in the path of any moving parts under the hood and that all connections are secure before attempting to start the car.
What will happen if you try to start the car?
- Modern chargers: Modern smart chargers are designed to provide a stable charge while allowing the vehicle to draw power for ignition, making it safe to turn on.
- Older or basic chargers: A basic trickle charger might not have the necessary power to start the car, so it's better to disconnect the charger before starting the car.
- If the battery is completely dead: A charger may not be able to provide the necessary amperage to start the car, which can overload the charger and blow a fuse or cause damage.
- What to do if the car doesn't start: If the car doesn't start, it's recommended to disconnect the charger and use jumper cables for a jump-start from another vehicle or a battery jump-starter instead.
How long does a Ford Focus car battery last?
between 3 to 5 years
Your Ford Focus battery will typically last between 3 to 5 years, but that can vary heavily depending on weather conditions battery size, type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't completely dead, doesn't mean it's operating at optimal levels.
