Ford Releases More C-MAX PHEV Details

[xcel]

85 mph in_EV from a_PSD? WTH!

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug. 8, 2012

Ford C-MAX Energi – $33.7 K to start and a 20 miles AER and what we can assume is now close to its 47/47/47 mpgUS city/highway/combined rating of the hybrid released this morning as well?

What are the differences between an extended range EV EREV and a Plug-in PHEV? Ford is blurring the lines here with its release detailing the upcoming C-MAX Energi PHEV’s top electric-only speed of 85 mph.

The all-new C-MAX Energi also arrives with three EV modes.

The EV mode button mounted in the center stack allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes.

Drivers can opt for BEV driving without the gasoline engine with an appropriate SoC, 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 sufficient SoC 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.

It is small but oh so handy

In EV - Auto mode, the vehicle consumes the packs stored charge. When the charge is depleted, C-MAX Energi operates as a full hybrid.

In EV - Now mode, the vehicle operates as a BEV and according to the PR, the ICE will not fire unless an override setting is selected or certain conditions are present such as the accelerator pedal being fully depressed and the driver enables the gas engine with a special Manage EV screen shown within the SmartGauge with EcoGuide displays. And yes it is still dependant on SoC.

In EV- Later mode, you can save the packs stored energy for later use as in transitioning from highway to lower-speed residential neighborhood use.

When all is said and done, the stored charge is reserved until the driver switches to the EV - Now or EV - Auto.

The all-new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid begins arriving this fall at EV Certified Ford dealers in 19 markets, followed by nationwide rollout in all 50 states in early 2013.

Yeah this could be good unless it is priced like the Focus Electric. Then we have a problem.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Originally Posted by xcel

Ford C-MAX Energi – $33.7 K to start...
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Yeah this could be good unless it is priced like the Focus Electric. Then we have a problem.

A little confused by this...

[xcel]

Hi Sean:

Only fully loaded versions available at dealerships at close to $40K would be a problem.

Wayne

[Right Lane Cruiser]

I see. Hopefully whatever trim is desired can be ordered.

[Mendel Leisk]

EV-later mode seems a good idea (not sure if other plug-in hybrids also use it): if the engine's going to start up and run for a portion of a trip, I'd actually prefer it to be start at the outset, allowing you to prewarm the engine with a block heater in a garage, for example.

BTW, just editorial: maybe "WTF" should be "WTH"?

[WriConsult]

Does it have a spare tire? To me the PIP's lack of one is a fatal flaw.

[Mendel Leisk]

^ And it seems a flaw that wouldn't take too much engineering to fix: judging from pic's I've seen, the spare tire area is tantilizingly close to accessabe with the PIP battery. It looks to have a couple of fans hanging off the back of a not that much bulkier battery, kiboshing spare tire access. I think Toyota could have sharpened their pencils and made it doable.

(I'm getting off topic, though, sorry)

[EVuser]

I think this one is going to all come down to price, propulsion versatility looks good for this market segment. The more offerings from the manufacturers the better. Naturally we must take a closer look at the cup holder count.

[Carcus]

"Build and price" is up on the Cmax energi.

20 miles AER and the 3 mode EV switch are really nice. I think 20 miles is the right compromise at this stage of battery development. The base price is equipped pretty well...looks like the best value of anything with a plug so far.

[herm]

Anyone has an idea of the cycling numbers for the battery?.. how deep do they cycle it?