Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi Greening Up the US in 2012

When the C-Max finds its way to American shores in the second half of 2012, Ford will emphasize two hybrid versions of the car. The C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid will give American consumers according to Ford with better fuel economy than the Prius V and a longer range than the Chevrolet Volt. 

Both cars are powered by a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson cycle, and both use an electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery. Ford claims that both cars will be capable of 40mpg or better upon release. 

The only real difference between the two models is the C-Max Energi's plug-in hybrid system, which Ford claims, is even more efficient than the powertrain used in the Prius plug-in hybrid and offering a range of around 500 miles. Unfortunately the system does eat up some cargo room taking away about 5 cubic feet of storage. The Energi also displays the battery's current state of charge and range until next charge on the interior gauges, and the MyFord Mobile system will navigate drivers to the closest charging sites. 

The C-Max models come with a host of Ford technology including: a power liftgate, Sync, MyFord Touch and efficiency gauges to alert drivers when they are driving the C-Max in the greenest way possible. 

The two C-Max models make up two of the five electrified vehicles that Ford plans for the US in 2012. The C-Max will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.