By just clicking a button, the Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles can reach high electric-only speed of 85 mph, higher than other plug-in hybrids. The new five-seater Ford C-MAX Energi can easily keep pace with traffic even when the gasoline engine is off and the EV-mode button is engaged. The fully charged Ford C-MAX Energi battery is graded at 195 horsepower.
Ford C-MAX Energi – ford’s first plug-in hybrid – has a range of 550 mi. Ford C-MAX Energi’s EV mode range is over 20 miles. The driver can avail of three vehicle operation modes using the EV mode button conveniently located at the center panel. When there is plug-in power, the driver can oscillate among the three modes with each click of the EV mode button. The mode in use is displayed on the driver’s left instrument cluster screen.
In EV: auto mode, the vehicle automatically uses the plug-in charge. When the charge is consumed the vehicle runs as full hybrid. The power-train computer automatically chooses the right combination of battery and engine usage depending on demand and state of battery charge.
In EV: now mode the vehicle functions in EV mode with plug-in power. The gasoline engine will not function unless an override setting is chosen, the accelerator is fully depressed or the gas engine is enabled. Along with being given tips on optimal use, drivers can also use energy gauges and climate power to optimize performance under EV mode.
In EV: later mode, plug-in power is saved for future use, as for example when shifting from highway to residential surrounding driving. Both gas engine and electric motor are used. Plug-in power kicks on when EV: now or EV: auto modes are chosen.
Ford C-MAX Energi’s new plug-in hybrid will be out in the national market in early 2013.
Source: http://www.ford.com/