Ford is seeing double! The American manufacturer has showcased not one, but two hybrid versions of it’s C-MAX MPV at the Detroit Motor Show.
The first is called the C-MAX Hybrid and uses a traditional petrol-electric drivetrain like the set-up found in the Toyota Prius or Lexus GS450h. That means that it will be able operate in an all electric mode at speeds up to around 50mph but will mostly be powered by a combination of petrol engine and electric motor. Expect to see a combined economy figure of around 50mpg.
On top of the Hybrid, Ford will also be offering the C-MAX Energi, an extended range electric vehicle like the Vauxhall Ampera/ Chevrolet Volt. Unlike the Hybrid, this model can be charged through a wall socket and is always driven by the electric motor, with the engine there simply to provide power for the electric motor once the batteries are depleted. Ford claims the Energi will be capable of a total range of 500 miles.
The Energi can be charged through a 120v socket and uses the same five-point connector found in theFocus Electric. Both models also make use of lighter and smaller lithium batteries, rather than the cheaper nickel-metal hydride that power the current Prius.
Systems that can heat and cool the cabin while plugged into the mains and charge the car at the cheapest electricity rates also feature.
Ford hasn’t given any more details on exactly what will power both models, but expect to see them on the roads by 2013.-autoexpress.co.uk
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