Ford’s 2013 C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid has higher EPA efficiency ratings with 100 mpge combined than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid with 95 mpge. The mpge metric used by the EPA stands for miles per gallon equivalent to compare the efficiency of traditional gasoline vehicles and plug-in electric models. On just electric power, the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi can be driven for approximately 20 miles at speeds up to 85 mph. As soon as the 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery runs out, a 141-hp 2.0-liter inline-four engine kicks in so that the C-Max Energi could be driven as a traditional hybrid. The 2013 Ford C-Max Energi’s EPA rating means that it is more energy efficient than majority of plug-in hybrids on the market.
These are the ratings of other models in this segment: Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid (95 mpge combined); Chevrolet Volt (94 mpge); Fisker Karma (54 mpge in EPA testing); and Honda (which claims that its 2014 Accord plug-in hybrid has at least 100 mpge). Furthermore, Ford said that its C-Max Energi will return 108 mpge in city driving and it will offer an overall driving range of 550 miles on a fully charged battery and full tank of gasoline.
The 2013 Ford C-Max Energi will start selling later in 2012 and has a starting price of $33,745 (including destination costs). However, it qualifies for a $3750 tax credit that could reduce its effective price to $29,995. In addition, Ford launched the 2013 C-Max Hybrid, which has a smaller battery and cannot be plugged in. However, its energy efficiency is a bit lower. It has a rating of 47/47 mpg (city/highway) and is priced at $25,995 (including destination costs).
