As electric and plug-in vehicles increase in demand due to customers wanting cleaner vehicles (for environmental concerns such as climate change, as well as pure economic reasons), it’s obvious these vehicles will increase fuel efficiency records. The Ford C-Max Energi is one such vehicle doing so today.
Ford C-Max Energi at LA Auto Show Via WikiCommons Some Rights Reserved
Ford recently announced that its plug-in vehicle was given a rating from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 108 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for city use, along with a 100 MPGe overall rating.
When stacked up against other vehicles, Ford noted that the C-Max Energi 100 MPGe outpaces the Toyota Prius by 5 MPGe.
The C-Max Energi, along with the Ford Focus Electric (110 MPGe in the city) are two of just a handful of cars that have a prestigious US EPA ranking of 100 MPGe or more. Ford is expected early next year to bolster its lineup of top-notch electric and plug-in hybrids with the Ford Fusion Energy plug-in hybrid. The new vehicle should also have a MPGe of 100, the release said.
Besides reaching over 100 MPGe, the Ford C-Max Energi could offer some big savings for customers, given constant struggles with gas prices. Ford notes:
“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.”
While, it’s cool to save money, this vehicle looks like it has some really neat bells and whistles to go along with its fuel efficiency. Some of the neat features include:
- Voice command that will allow consumers to manage climate, phone, and navigation functions in their car.
- Access through web or smart phones to do basic performances, including: finding charging stations, routes to get to the charging stations, current range on the battery, plus battery life available. Ford mentioned these features will have the green light by early next year.
- In-car visual displays that show drivers how to get better fuel efficiency with their vehicle.
- An EV-mode button, which gives the driver the option of switching between three modes (normal hybrid, all-electric, or battery conservation for later use).
- LED light showing battery charge status.
- An advanced lithium battery with a 100,000-mile component warranty/eight years. Ford noted these newer batteries in the car are much lighter than older models, which had nickel metal.
Ford officials are very optimistic about the Ford C-Max Energi’s potential for energy efficiency for customers.
“Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose,” said chief nameplate engineer of C-MAX Energi John Davis.
“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 (miles per gallon).”
Heck, this vehicle even got a top GM Volt evangelist to switch cars!
Looking for more information? Here’s a video that Ford put out explaining what MPGe is and its relationship to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles:
Source: Ford
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