Ford’s new C-Max Energi has been named the US’ most efficient plug-in hybrid, after being granted an official city fuel economy rating of 108MPGe city.
With a combined cycle rating of 100MPGe from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that means that the new model beats the economy rating of key rival, the Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid, by 5MPGe.
Arriving in dealerships across the country from this autumn, the new model also becomes the US’ most affordable plug-in hybrid priced from $29,995, after federal tax credits.
The model is the latest in Ford’s growing line-up of electrified vehicles which already includes the fully battery-powered Focus Electric, the C-Max Hybrid and the Fusion Hybrid. A Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid model will launch in early 2013.
There a few vehicles which manage to achieve a +100MPGe in the US’ much stricter fuel economy tests. The new C-Max Energi is joined by Ford stablemate, the Focus Electric, which achieved a 110 MPGe city rating and the Fusion Energi which although not yet rated, is expected to smash the 100MPG barrier too.
Over the course of five years, the C-MAX Energi is expected to save customers nearly $7,000 compared with the average new vehicle, according to the federal EPA label.
“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.”
Ford C-MAX Energi is capable of a driving range of around 550 miles of total range, including more than 20 miles in electric-only mode – nearly double the electric-only range of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid C-Max is expected to launch in Europe in 2013.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
October 11, 2012
Filed under: Ford
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