We simply cannot overstate the importance of Ford's C-Max Energi vehicle and how it could be the game changer for hybrid automobile adoption. This car represents what is possible in the automotive industry and makes one wonder why there are not dozens more like it. Best described as a crossover, the C-Max hauls five passengers comfortably with loads of cargo space to boot (and in the boot).
Sure, the Toyota Prius was a game changer but this affordable entry gives consumers even more with the addition of 20 miles EV range and the ability to tap into the electrical grid. Why buy a plug-in Prius when you can get so much more from the Energi at the same or lower price?
This all new C-Max Energi is now rated America’s most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid with an EPA- certified 108 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 100 MPGe combined rating.
Ford states that over the course of five years, C-MAX Energi customers could save nearly $7,000 compared with the average new vehicle, according to the federal EPA label.
Comparative savings could go even higher if the current trend of rising gas prices continues.
The C-MAX Energi’s 100 MPGe combined rating is 5 MPGe better than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid’s combined.
With a starting price of $29,995 – after a $3,750 federal tax credit and including destination and delivery cost – C-MAX Energi is expected to be America’s most affordable plug-in hybrid.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating places the C-MAX Energi in a small group of production vehicles that have received EPA ratings of 100 MPGe or greater.
“Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose,” said John Davis, chief nameplate engineer, C-MAX Energi. “With $5-per-gallon gasoline, C-MAX Energi customers essentially will pay $1.25 per gallon for the same distance traveled compared with average vehicles estimated to achieve 23 mpg.”
The C-MAX Energi joins the C-MAX Hybrid as part of Ford’s first hybrid-only dedicated line of vehicles. The C-MAX Hybrid, available in dealerships this fall, and Ford’s press release says the car is now officially EPA-certified at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined.
This number is not to be confused with the “Energi” plug in, which gets 43 mpg in charge sustaining mode.
“The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid’s gas-operation, hybrid-mode (aka charge-sustaining mode) combined fuel economy is 43 mpg, said Ford Electrified Vehicles Communications Manager, Wesley Sherwood III today. “The 47 mpg refers to the C-MAX Hybrid’s combined efficiency.”
Many of the innovative technologies in C-MAX Energi are shared across Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup and draw from the automaker’s portfolio of about 500 patents related specifically to hybrid technology.
Further, the C-MAX Energi is projected to deliver 15 class-exclusive features. Could this be the vehicle that tips the scales for widespread hybrid adoption?
Among the standard and available features listed by Ford are:
• SYNC with MyFord Touch offers multiple ways – including voice commands – for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions. Plug-in hybrids and all-electric models have additional options for monitoring information like battery state of charge
• MyFord Mobile, available for C-MAX Energi in early 2013, enables access via smartphone or Web-based interface to perform key tasks, such as monitoring a vehicle’s state of charge and current range or locating charge stations and planning routes to find them
• SmartGauge with EcoGuide provides in-vehicle customizable displays, including instantaneous fuel economy readings and coaching functions to help drivers understand and optimize their fuel efficiency
• ECO Cruise saves vehicle energy by relaxing acceleration compared to standard cruise control
• EV mode button – conveniently mounted in the center stack – allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes: all-electric, normal hybrid operation, conserve battery power for later use
• Regenerative braking is capable of capturing and reusing more than 95 percent of the braking energy normally lost during the braking process
• Hybrid transmission, designed by Ford engineers in-house, is capable of operating at high speeds and in a smooth, fuel-efficient manner at the same time
• Advanced Lithium-ion batteries used in Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup – covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile component warranty – are smaller and lighter than nickel metal hybrid batteries used in previous generation hybrids
• Charge port with LED light ring (for electric and plug-in vehicles) is conveniently located on the driver’s side and near the front of the car and features a light ring that illuminates to indicate charge status
Source: GM-Volt.com
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