Save Money at the Pump with the Ford C-MAX Energi

Disclosure: We were loaned the Ford C-MAX Energi for 7 days in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are 100% my own.

Do you want to save money at the pump? Of course you do. We all do. The week we test drove the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi we put over 800 miles on it without adding a drop of gasoline. In fact, when we returned the car, it still had over a quarter of a tank left. Not bad at all in today’s economy.

Ford C-MAX Energi

The newly designed 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi is a plug-in hybrid. This “hybrid plus” was designed by the Ford Motor Company to deliver maximum efficiency by combining an advanced battery and electric motor with a gasoline engine.

• The Ford C-MAX Energi is engineered to drive farther without fueling, because the engine does not run all the time
• C-MAX Energi new 2.0L hybrid I-4 powertrain that is combined with the electric motor to generate a projected 188 total horsepower
• With the best combined MPGe in its class the Ford C-MAX Energi kicks out an EPA-estimated 100 combined MPGe
• Plug-in capability allows you to charge the battery, using either a standard 120-volt or a 240-volt outlet
• EV mode button allows the driver to easily switch between all-electric power, all gas power or a combination of both

During our test drive we absolutely fell in love with this vehicle for several reasons. Let me tell you a few of my favorites.

1. EPA-estimated 100 combined MPGe – What is an MPGe? MPGe is based on how much gasoline and electricity would be used to generate an equal amount of energy. 33 kWh =1 Gallon of Gas
2. Regenerative Braking – The Ford C-MAX Energi’s motor becomes an electric generator by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy when braking. This friction regenerates energy back into the car.
3. EV mode button – You have the option to change how you drive the C-MAX Energi. A push of this button allows the vehicle to drive in either electric mode, gas mode, or a combination of both.
4. Charging port with LED ring – The plug-in capability of the hybrid allows you to fully charge the C-MAX Energi easily in under three hours. There are 240-volt charging stations available, or you can charge it overnight using a standard 120-volt outlet found in your home.
5. Next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide – The dual LCD gauge and guide system found inside the C-MAX is a wealth of knowledge of your vehicle. With two D-Pads on the steering wheel you can navigate through each of the Efficiency coach screens. The different screens include: Inform, Enlighten, Engage or Empower. Each one works to inform you how you are driving the C-MAX Energi.

There you have it! I am not a “hybrid” expert (yet) but did learn a lot about them during the week. I have only test driven one or two prior to driving the Ford C-MAX Energi for those few days. I can definitely picture myself driving this Hybrid Plus vehicle with my family though. The style, safety, versatility, and technology make it a complete package for us. Plus, Staci was impressed with all of the safety and technology features offered on the C-MAX Energi. So, it would not be hard to get her on board with owning it. Hmmm… wonder how we could make that happen?

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