Once again, the Blue Oval is on a bragging spree specifically targeting Toyota, which we don’t know whether it should feel complimented or aggrieved.
Today, Ford said it expects its new 2013 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid minivan to achieve more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of electric-only range, noting that’s “nearly double the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid”.
The automaker added that C-MAX Energi has an overall driving range of 550 miles (885 kilometers), which in theory will allow a driver to go from Sacramento to San Diego on a single tank of 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,” Ford added in a cheeky statement.
The C-MAX Energi is said to deliver a fuel economy that is the equivalent of 95 miles per gallon (MPGe) combined city/highway.
“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 John Davis, chief engineer for Ford’s compact cars and utility vehicles.
The plug-in hybrid version of the C-MAX, which features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a battery-powered electric motor producing a combined output of 188-ponies, will go on sale this fall with pricing to be announced.
The non-plug-in C-MAX Hybrid with a projected 47 mpg city fuel economy and a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery, is already on sale in the States.
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