Among several new fuel-frugal electrified models for 2013, Ford pulls the wraps off the tall-roofed C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid wagons.
Though Ford is concentrating on hybrid versions of C-MAX in the U.S., the designs of C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the gasoline- and diesel-powered European version.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi figure prominently in Ford's rollout of five electrified vehicles this year.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
Like C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi has projected total system horsepower of 188 that stems from the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
The C-Max Energi is a plug-in derivative of the C-Max, which is supposed to be even more efficient because it can run longer in electric-only mode.
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Ford calls C-MAX Energi a "hybrid-plus" because it not only operates just like C-MAX Hybrid, but also features an external charge port and larger lithium-ion battery pack so owners can plug in the vehicles to fully charge the battery using either a standard 120-volt outlet or the available 240-volt charge station.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
That means C-MAX Energi is being built on the same line as C-MAX Hybrid, Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
But any consumer comparing the C-Max Hybrid and Prius v also quickly will see that Ford claims 47 mpg overall for C-Max Hybrid while Toyota claims only 40 mpg for Prius v.
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To wit: While Ford is eager to put C-Max against Prius v and therefore be counted as worthy of comparison with the magnificent Prius brand, C-Max notably is not being compared with the original and still-dominant Prius hatchback with which most American consumers are familiar.
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C-MAX Energi operates just like a traditional hybrid with two key differences - owners must plug in the vehicle using its charge port and C-MAX Energi has a larger battery pack.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
Additionally, initial sales data show that C-Max is stealing hybrid sales away from other brands at an impressive clip: Its conquest rate is about 64 percent, with Prius and the Honda CR-V ranking as the top nameplates abandoned by customers in favor of C-Max.
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The tall-roofed C-Max is a curvaceous compact wagon that maximizes interior room to afford seating for five passengers.
More than 144, 000 units of the five-passenger C-MAX gasoline and diesel versions have been sold in Europe since late 2010.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
The Fusion Energi splits the difference: it's not as playful as the Focus Electric, but it's far more engaging than the appliance-like C-MAX Energi.
ENGADGET: Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
Both autos share the same unfortunate battery protrusion in the trunk area, and while it's less of an issue in the Fusion sedan than the wagon-like C-MAX, it detracts from the overall package.
With a maximum electric-only speed projected to top that of Prius plug-in, C-MAX Energi drivers might be able to reach wherever they're going a little faster, too.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
The Toyota Prius Plug-in and Ford C-Max Energi plug-ins are both well reviewed and are in demand from consumers.
Because owners plug in to charge the advanced lithium-ion battery in C-MAX Energi, the vehicle is able to achieve increased electric mode and total range.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
Focus Electric, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid all have an LED charge port that displays a circle of light directly related to battery life.
Add high-capacity gas-electric hybrids (like our C-Max Energi) to the mix and the projected share jumps to 80%.
Ford has launched a daring first TV-advertising campaign for its 2013 C-Max hybrid, aimed right at the Toyota Prius franchise.
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In the ads, Ford uses an old-school but engaging 2-D-animation technique and directly compares C-Max to the Prius v, the larger Prius nameplate introduced last year.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
The EPA does not, and cannot, verify mileage numbers for the majority of light-duty vehicles (though I imagine there's a Ford C-Max Hybrid on the dynamometers in Michigan right now).
WSJ: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review: A Fine Car Falls Way Short on MPG | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil
For example, Ford has cut costs by bringing in-house the development and manufacture of many aspects of vehicles such as C-MAX Energi.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
Models like the Fiesta, Kuga and C-Max, while well received overseas, are unfamiliar here.
At this point they include not only the two C-Max models but also the Focus Electric.
FORBES: C-Max Delivers On Ford Game Plan: Take A Bite Out Of Prius
The hybrid battery system, hybrid transmission system and software for C-MAX Energi all were developed in-house.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
This new feature debuted on the C-MAX Energi and will be featured on Fusion Energi.
Yet C-Max also gets better fuel economy on the highway: 47 mpg versus 40 mpg.
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Ford had loaned me a C-Max Energi from its fleet of press review cars.
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