Ford announced that the new C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is expected to travel far. Can you say up to 550 miles on a single tank of gas? Thereby exceeding the range of both the Volt (379 mi) and the Prius PHEV (540 mi). In electric-only mode, the C-MAX Energi offers nearly twice the range. I mean of the Prius plug-in.

Drivers of the C-MAX Energi also could travel round-trip. That’s from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. I mean also or from Detroit to New York City. All on a single tank.

The new Ford C-MAX Energi is expected to achieve more than 20 miles of electric-only range

That’s nearly double the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. Also a 550-mile overall range to become the first hybrid vehicle ever that can be driven from Sacramento to San Diego. All on a single tank of gas. Finally and make the average American commute without gasoline.

With a maximum electric-only speed projected to top that of Prius plug-in, C-MAX Energi drivers might be able to reach wherever they’re going a little faster, too.

Topping it off, C-MAX Energi delivers fuel economy that is the equivalent of 95 miles per gallon (MPGe) combined city/highway.

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John Davis, chief nameplate engineer for Ford’s compact cars and utility vehicles, said it’s all designed to improve the driving experience: from making the 550-mile trek down Highway 99 from Sacramento to San Diego to the daily 20-mile one-way trip to work – the distance some reports suggest the average American commutes.

“We are proud C-MAX Energi is the first plug-in hybrid that can deliver a 550-mile overall range and more than 20 miles of electric range as it gives customers great flexibility to commute to work, then take off for a road trip while passing many gas stations along the way,” says Davis. “C-MAX Energi is a great symbol for the leading fuel economy we’re delivering across our lineup to give customers the power of choice to save money at the pump.”

C-MAX Energi is part of Ford’s first dedicated line of hybrid vehicles in North America and will soon be available for order at Ford’s certified electric-vehicle dealerships. C-MAX Energi operates just like a traditional hybrid with two key differences – owners must plug in the vehicle using its charge port and C-MAX Energi has a larger battery pack.

Power of choice

Already available for order is C-MAX Hybrid – expected to be America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle with a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery.

That’s with a cost that is $1,300 lower than Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi figure prominently in Ford’s rollout of five electrified vehicles this year.

“Ford’s electrified vehicles offer a great combination of efficiency, performance, technology and affordability. Those that we believe will help spur adoption of these advanced vehicles. ,” That was said by Kevin Layden. Kevin is the director, Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering. “C-MAX Energi not only offers leading efficiency. For it has 50 more horsepower than the Prius plug-in hybrid along with class-exclusive technologies. That’s such as a hands-free liftgate. Also and a active park assist for easier parallel parking.”