FORD CANADA - At the touch of a button, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid drivers can enjoy the industry's top electric-only speed among all plug-in hybrid vehicles – 137 kilometres per hour.
Topping the Toyota Prius plug-in's top EV-only speed by more than 32 km/h, the all-new, five-passenger Ford C-MAX Energi can easily keep pace with the flow of traffic, even when the EV mode button is engaged and the gasoline engine is off.
"We understand customers place a high value on the zero-emission electrified driving experience," said Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering Joe Bakaj. "This inspired our engineering team to equip the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid with a button that enables drivers to choose an electric-only driving mode."
With a fully charged battery, C-MAX Energi is rated at 195 horsepower, versus 188 horsepower for Toyota Prius.
C-MAX Energi's EV mode range is 32 km – more than triple Toyota's plug-in. C-MAX Energi – Ford's first plug-in hybrid – also tops Prius plug-in in overall range (885 km versus 870 km).
Three EV modes
The EV mode button – conveniently mounted in the center stack – allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes.
Drivers can opt for electric-only driving without gasoline engine power, normal hybrid mode where the powertrain melds electric and gasoline engine power as appropriate, or a battery-saving mode that reserves the pack power for later use.
When plug-in power is available, drivers can change modes with each press of the EV mode button. The mode currently selected is displayed in the driver's left instrument cluster screen.
EV: Auto
"In EV: Auto mode, the vehicle automatically takes advantage of plug-in charge," said Kevin Layden, Ford director of Electrification Programs and Engineering. "When the charge is depleted, C-MAX Energi operates as a full hybrid."
The powertrain computer automatically selects the appropriate blend of battery usage and engine usage based on demand and the state of battery charge.
EV: Now
In EV: Now mode, the vehicle operates in EV mode using plug-in power. The gasoline engine will not operate unless an override setting is selected or certain conditions are present such as the accelerator pedal being fully depressed and the driver enabling the gas engine. EV: Now also activates a special Manage EV screen to monitor functionality.
To achieve the EV range estimate shown on the corresponding gauge, drivers are given coaching cues to maximize EV mode. Additionally, use of climate power and energy gauges will further help drivers manage vehicle energy use.
EV: Later
The EV: Later setting saves plug-in power for later use, like transitioning from highway to lower-speed residential neighbourhood use. C-MAX Energi operates in normal hybrid mode, using both gas engine and electric motor. Plug-in power is reserved until the driver switches to the EV: Now or EV: Auto setting.
"C-MAX Energi uses technology in new ways to provide customers smart choices in maximizing their energy usage based on where and how they drive their vehicles," Bakaj said.
Built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., the all-new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid begins arriving this fall at EV Certified Ford dealers.