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2013 Ford C-Max Energi: 100 MPGe, Beats Volt, Plug-in Prius

 
3,185 views Oct 11, 2012
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2013 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid

2013 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid

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It’s official: the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi is the most efficient plug-in hybrid to date, achieving a cool 100 miles per gallon equivalent combined in official EPA fuel economy tests. 

Announced last night by Ford, the $33,745 2013 Ford C-Max Energi has beaten both the 95 MPGe rating of the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the 98 MPGe rating of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt. 

In achieving a rating of 100MPGe combined, the Ford C-Max Energi also becomes the first plug-in hybrid to be placed by the EPA in a special listing of cars which exceed 100 MPGe. 


Previously, that list contained only pure electric cars, like the 2012 2013 Honda Fit EV, 2012 Mitsubishi i, and 2013 Ford Focus Electric.

Due to go on sale early next year, Ford says the EPA also gave the C-Max Energi a 108 MPGe rating in the city, just 2 MPGe less than the city rating for its 2013 Focus Electric. 

At the time of writing, the EPA has yet to publish the official results on its fueleconomy.gov website.

The C-Max Energi’s non plug-in sibling, the 2013 C-Max Hybrid, is rated by the EPA with a 47 mpg all-round figure. 

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Comments (39)

  1. fb_1001015277 avatar John Briggs Posted: 10/11/2012 5:23am PDT

    Dribble, dribble, dribble. OK, so do we get to find out the official e-range next month.

    Well, done Ford, but publish the GD numbers already.
     
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  2. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 11:48am PDT

    The "official" e-range will be muddy...

    Here is why. Ford claims that Energi will operate up to 85mph. But it also indicates the engine will come on during "heavy load or hard acceleration". With its 7.6KWh battery, it should get around 19-20 miles in E-range. But like Prius Plugin's 6 miles electric rating, I am afraid that Ford might get a 6 miles "electric ONLY" range too if hard acceleration kicks on the engine...
     
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  3. rkisler avatar Rich K Posted: 10/11/2012 12:57pm PDT

    The 6 mile range in EV-only mode for the PIP is because there is a "hill" in EPA testing that the PIP can't get up and over without the ICE coming on. I believe Ford's system is more capable in EV mode, so it's likely the EPA reported EV-only range will be higher. Your guess sounds about right, but we'll have to wait.

    My understanding is a driver select switch can leave the Energi in EV mode even under heavy load, but the car will obviously not perform as well, and I believe there is a driver notification recommending going off of EV in those situations.

    All of the PHEV/EREV's are different variations on the theme. In addition to performance, there are differences in battery packaging. Volt loses 5th seat; Energi loses cargo
     
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  4. fb_1001015277 avatar John Briggs Posted: 10/11/2012 5:36pm PDT

    For me, 19-20 miles would be fine. I got to sit in a C-Max Energi the other day and I really liked it. The interior is much nicer than the Prius. I can't wait to drive it.
     
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  5. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 7:19pm PDT

    But is it "full EV" mode or one of those "Don't press it too hard" EV mode?

    We know for a fact that it is NOT a "full EV" mode.
     
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  6. Knobber avatar Jesse Gurr Posted: 10/11/2012 10:27pm PDT

    I am pretty sure the "EV Now" mode on the Energi is like full EV. You could literally STAND on the go pedal and the engine would not turn. Sounds like full EV mode to me.
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  7. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/12/2012 2:19pm PDT

    Yet, the "EV Now" mode can't reach past 85mph?
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  8. rkisler avatar Rich K Posted: 10/12/2012 3:58pm PDT

    Oh, come on.

    The C-Max Energi can reach the posted maximum speed for almost any interstate in the county (except maybe Montana?) on EV only.

    Most people in this segment are not going to be exceeding 85 mph. There are a lot of pros/cons to this vehicle, but this is a non-issue.
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  9. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 11:48am PDT

    Oh, it is confirmed by the Ford's website that C-Max Energi can NOT operate up to its max speed with EV mode. Also, its top speed is lower than regular C-Max even with engine mode...
     
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  10. Knobber avatar Jesse Gurr Posted: 10/11/2012 10:31pm PDT

    Do you really need to go faster than the speed limit in EV mode anyway? I think 85 is plenty fast enough for the freeway, dissing a car cuz it can't go over 100mph in all electric mode is ludicrous. Anything faster than the speed limit is just wasteful. Fun, I will admit, but you really don't "need" it.

    ahh, whenever I think ludicrous, I always think of "Ludicrous Speed" from "Space Balls". Funny movie.
     
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  11. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/12/2012 2:22pm PDT

    Well, when I had to pass a "hogging" Prius with RED Paint color and BLACK RACING STRIPS going 60mph on the LEFT with 2 right lanes OPEN on an uphill. It was both fun and Necessary. There were 5 other cars "stuck" behind it and I have to pass all of them going uphill.

    And My Volt did it without any problem or any drop of gas. That is when I reached my highest speed ever in my Volt of 96mph.

    BTW, at that speed, the Volt was stable, composed, still quiet and smooth.
     
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  12. joshili avatar Joshua Huff Posted: 10/11/2012 12:35pm PDT

    It is worth some bragging rights to have a higher MPGe, but in the real world these small differences in these high MGPe's don't add up to much. Driving a 100 MPGe C-Max Energi verses a 93 MPGe 2012 Volt in the exact same conditions means after 42 miles of electric driving, you've saved a kWh, which for me would be 10 cents worth of electricity. You would loose any advantage you had in money saved in the C-Max Energi verses the Volt in the first few miles of driving on gasoline beyond the much smaller electric range on the Energi. You would have to drive 147 miles on electricity to save one kWh verses a 2013 Volt.
     
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  13. fb_1495355649 avatar Nathan Kerr Posted: 10/12/2012 9:48am PDT

    You're totally right, but for me, I'm looking at the fact that the C-MAX has five seats so it can hold my small, but growing family better than the Volt. I also like the "station wagon" feel to carry more cargo.
     
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  14. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/12/2012 2:24pm PDT

    That is a "valid" point.

    However, wouldn't drive a "regular" C-Max be a better "value". Unless the "potential" 20 EV miles is really important to you.
     
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  15. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 11:52am PDT

    This is a great news for Plugin Hybrids. C-Max Energi is more like a mini Prius Plugin V if Toyota ever worked on one.
    So, for someone who want a more space than the Volt and cheaper price than the Prius Plugin, this is the way to go.
    But I would like to see performance comparison.
    I think it will be in the order of Volt, C-Max Energi and then Pip.
     
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  16. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/11/2012 1:39pm PDT

    well I will be VERY SURPRISED if these numbers HOLD UP number one....PHV....Prius exceeds ALL the numbers that Toyota and the EPA quotes.....also what about the Hybrid ONLY mode of which I am sure will be no more than 43/44 for the CMax....Ford always boasts more then the capabilities of there vehicles thus far....I have owned MANY Ford products and to date they ALWAYS are LESS than they're claiming in the numbers....Sorry but the Cmax is also 1,000 lbs. heavier than the Phev Prius sp this in itself makes there 100 probably less especially in Hybrid mode of which I am sure when the heater kicks in as well as if you PUSH the car to its fullest in ALL ELECTRIC the engine will consume Gasoline as to lower the numbers..no way Ford..Keep trying
     
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  17. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 2:01pm PDT

    I am NOT sure where you get the 1,000 lbs difference from?

    C-Max is around 3,000-3,200 lb in weight. Energi version should add about 300 lbs due to battery weight (using the Prius vs. PIP weight increase). So, it would be around 3,500 lb. That is only about 350-400 lbs heavier than the Prius Plugin or 500 lbs more than regular Prius...

    I think the Energi version is rated around 43mpg in "extended" mode. But since it has a larger battery, it will operate in more EV mode than regular PIP. Plus, it should be larger than regular PIP as well. With larger rebates, it is also cheaper.

    But I would like to find out about its performance as well.
     
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  18. fb_698816748 avatar Wop Ontour Posted: 10/11/2012 5:01pm PDT

    Actually teh weight of the C-Max HYbrid is listed as 3859 lbs.
    http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_CMAX_Specs.pdf
     
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  19. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 6:54pm PDT

    If C-Max Energi is truly that heavy as in 3,859 lbs, then I am going to seriously doubt its performance and MPG. That is Volt's weight...
     
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  20. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/12/2012 1:49pm PDT

    The website is Fords website figures..it is at least 600 lbs. heavier..Prius is only 3,165...battery weight is 176...weight is a BIG contributor to the Hybrid Mode driving especially....
     
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  21. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/12/2012 1:45pm PDT

    If you check out the stats on the Ford website the Energi is closer to 4,000 lbs.it was around 4,800 I believe ...making these vehicles to what our specific needs are is what its all about...I had a Prius Liftaback which was leaving me already with 56 MPG....so even if the PHEV Plug In gave me 95 MPGe I would be happy with my decision....but I have proven that if you pick the Plug instead of the Pump with the Prius you will surpass the 95 MPGe easily my first 10.6 gallons took me over 110 MPGe.....6 months later and I have achieved 250 MPGe and better on the Hybrid Indicator....minimum 45 days with each full tank and saving at least 90.00 with each 10.6 gals. Prius is my choice..Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive is the ultimate Hybrid Vehicle...!
     
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  22. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/12/2012 1:50pm PDT

    SORRY thats 3,800 closer to 4,000....sorry...
     
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  23. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/13/2012 3:14pm PDT

    Also, isn't Prius Plugin a 4-stars rated in safety (while regular Prius is a 5-stars rated).

    I imagine the C-Max and energi model would be 5 stars rated...
     
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  24. Brian_Henderson avatar Brian Henderson Posted: 10/11/2012 1:48pm PDT

    Great, achieved a 108 MPGe for the length of the EPA test course, or a max of 11 miles! In real world conditions 108 MPGe would require limiting driving range to 5.5 miles, or charging enroute. Practical?

    How do these hybrids compare MPGe wise over a 25, 50, or 100 mile course? (Starting pre-fueled/energized with no stops).

    EPA tests have become dated, and no longer reflect real world driving scenarios. Today testing equipment can better measure real-world acceleration profiles & driving speeds, but EPA test are decades old.
     
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  25. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 2:03pm PDT

    11 miles is kind of "useless"...

    With 75% of American drive less than 40 miles per day, I think we should do at least a 30 miles or 40 miles EPA testing. In those cases, I think Energi and PIP numbers will drop down a lot and Volt numbers and other PURE EVs should be pretty much the same.
     
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  26. fb_1001015277 avatar John Briggs Posted: 10/11/2012 5:34pm PDT

    I guess it depends on the individual driving habits.

    My wife tends to do a lot of driving around town and then returning home. Probably does about 20 miles/day. So I think the C-Max might produce a reasonable percentage of e-miles without the added cost of a larger battery.

    For the PiP, the battery seems to small to contribute much in the way of e-miles.
     
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  27. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 6:50pm PDT

    I agree. For me, the 85mph E-range speed is NOT sufficient for me. :)

    I "need" a plugin that can do EV mode up to its max speed.

    I have taken my Volt up to 96mph already...
     
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  28. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/12/2012 1:56pm PDT

    BELIEVE ME...the 11 miles is way understated....YES u may need a mile of Hybrid range here and there BUT I have been driving 12 miles one way to work for many years now and buying the PHEV Prius only added to my Hybrid driving savings...I have always arrived to my destination with about 2 miles left before my first charge point....more like 13 to 15 easily...the winter will tell me more....MPGe has been 45 days to 10.6 gals. of gas and over 2,000 miles on every tank as well....VERY EFFICIENT VEHICLE and kept light....makes a huge Hybrid Mode differance.....
     
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  29. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/12/2012 10:51pm PDT

    @Charles,

    I had a PIP for about a week for their "marketing Demo" program. Sorry to tell you that in my "typical driving" style, it wouldn't even get 2 miles Electric and I drive on the hwy way faster than 62mph.

    Also, saying that you can get 13 miles in EV is like saying that Volt can get 50 miles in EV range (38 miles EPA rated). Well, both can happen, but NOT likely for most people on daily basis.

    My Volt typically gets about 38 to 42 miles in e-range, but if I drive like a typical Prius driver (keep it below 60mph and being really slow), I can easily get 46 to 48 miles...

    But if you load 4 adults with A/C or heat on full blast, you wouldn't make up the first small hill with "Normal" driving in EV mode...
     
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  30. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/16/2012 9:00am PDT

    I think the DEMO MODELS were larger batteries and MORE WEIGHT....I start out from my home with a 14 mile trip to work EVERY DAY...I just get to my first stop or reverse that to back after work to my house and I ALWAYS have gotten more than 12 miles out of ONE SINGLE FULL CHARGE....I also stay within 57 to 62 MPG highway with the Radar Cruise inplace and NEVER HAVE gotten less than 130 MPGe on the indicator....also the Hybrid Mode kicks on usually if you are at highway speeds..and YES in this manner u r correct the Electic miles are killed off quickly...BUT....YOU also DID NOT HAVE the EV/HV mode button to help the Miles stay more toward EV rather than the usual highway default Hybrid mode..the phev also Electrically defaults/demo does NOT..
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  31. rkisler avatar Rich K Posted: 10/12/2012 9:32am PDT

    The EPA city cycle is 11 miles, but the length of the total EPA test is 43.9 miles over 95 minutes. That's quite a lot and those test DO measure real world speeds, acceleration, and idling. Take a look here:

    http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml

    For PHEV/EREV/BEV's, there is a separate procedure where a fully charged vehicle is run over the city course repeatedly until the battery is discharged. Then a fully charged vehicle is run over the highway test repeatedly until fully discharged. That's how the EV-only and MPGe numbers are derived.

    I do not agree that the EPA testing is outdated; it measures real world reasonably well, and emissions precisely. No test can account for all individual driving habits.
     
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  32. fb_100000868968288 avatar Bean Cube Posted: 10/11/2012 2:28pm PDT

    How can we recycle all these electric or hybrid vehicles? Is there any new thinkings instead of crunching them into craps. Is there any economical rebuild programs sponsored by our govt?
     
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  33. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 10/11/2012 2:49pm PDT

    technically speaking, EV should last far longer than average ICE cars. The only thing you would have to change is battery about every 10 years...

    All cars can be recycled, steel, copper, Alumnium, Lithium, rare earth metals in the EVs are all valuable commodities...
     
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  34. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/16/2012 9:03am PDT

    OOPS forgot the CMAX Energi is heavier as I mentioned earlier..PHEV 3,100....Energi is 3,879....thought that might be interesting....I will bet that its closer to your Volt weight....so will probably get less than FORD is stating of 43....more like 36..37....phev gets 50 plus Hybrid Only....
     
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  35. john_v avatar John Voelcker Posted: 10/11/2012 3:37pm PDT

    And all makers of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles already have programs in place to collect and recycled old or damaged battery packs. For the larger plug-in packs, they'll have a life and a value beyond their automotive use, which ends when the pack reaches something like 70 percent of original energy capacity--leaving it still quite useful for a variety of other situations.
     
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  36. fb_1001015277 avatar John Briggs Posted: 10/11/2012 6:37pm PDT

    While we are comparing small differences, it might be worth saying that the Volt gets 93 mpge highway which is better than the 92 mpge that the C-Max gets.

    On the other hand, the C-Max gets 108 mpge in the city versus the Volt 101 mpge city, which may be more significant for people who live in congested areas.

    Really well done Ford.
     
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  37. Papchas1 avatar Charles Paolino Posted: 10/16/2012 9:04am PDT

    GUARANTEED these numbers Ford has quoted will be less after the EPA gets thru with them....!
     
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  38. fb_799475006 avatar Pat Bahn Posted: 10/18/2012 6:21pm PDT

    what charger will be going in the C-Max Energi?

    it would be great if it had the 6.6 KW charger of the FFE, and it would
    be great if it had a reverse flow inverter to let you plug your house in to the car.
     
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