2013 Ford C-Max Energi Rated for Fuel Economy

Aside from the misspelling of "energy," the C-Max Energi looks to be a promising product from Ford. It is set at 108/92 city/highway miles per gallon equivalent when on electric power (it can travel to a projected range of 20 miles on electricity until the gasoline engine comes alive). Combined, that's 100 MPGe, which trumps the Prius Plug-In in terms of efficiency and electric range (95 MPGe combined running on electricity, and 11 miles of electric range, respectively). The Volt can drive much farther on electric power at 38 miles per gallon, but its combined MPGe rating of 98 MPGe on electric power still falls 2 MPGe short of the C-Max Energi's.

The gas mileage of the C-Max once the electricity runs out is still anyone's guess, but expect it to be slightly worse than the regular C-Max's 47/47 city/highway miles per gallon ratings as the Energi has a larger, and thus heavier, battery pack. This is where the Prius Plug-In has the C-Max Energi beat, as it retains the regular Prius's 50 miles per gallon combined rating in normal hybrid operation.

Including a $795 destination fee, the C-Max Energi's starting price is $33745. Unlike pure EVs and the Volt, the C-Max Energi has a $3750 federal tax credit instead of a $7500 tax credit. The C-Max Energi officially goes on sale later this autumn.

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From the Passenger's Seat

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