Just heard that the Ford C-Max hybrid gets an official EPA certified combined 47 MPG. Also Ford will have a C-Max plug in hybrid this year with a 20 mile electric range. Looks like Ford, much more than GM, is preparing to compete with Toyota for hybrid / plug in hybrid electric car owners. At this point I don't plan on buying a new car soon, but I will go to our local Ford dealer and test drive both versions. Looks like Toyota will have to kick it up a notch if Ford has a winner....
I quickly looked at the dimensions (headroom, leg room, cargo space, etc.) and it looks like the Ford C-Max hybrid has got the Prius beat in all areas. For a slight decrease in fuel economy that's quite impressive. However, I'm biased and I trust Toyota quality rather than Ford quality (even if it has been noted that their quality has improved) so the C-Max probably wouldn't interest me. Specs for C-Max: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 2.0L 4-cyl. Hybrid CVT Automatic Features and Specs Specs for Prius: 2012 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback 1.8L 4-cyl. Hybrid CVT Automatic Features and Specs
I think Ford is trying to compete with the V over this. For some the argument will be moot, as I expect a new model from Ford to get all the fans out of the woodwork and you can forget any incentives/deals on it for a long time. Ford has been doing hybrid for a while and I believe it's reliable; I would own one. But price is always important.
I think it'll do well to bring the anti-Prius crowd out to potentially get a Ford Hybrid. I'm willing to bet there's a chunk of people willing to buy an "american hybrid" vs "foreign hybrid", and also the crowd that would buy one if the Prius "weren't so ugly". I could be wrong, but I'm hoping it'll get more people into some more FE vehicles. Personally, I think the 2.0L in the C-Max plus it's electric capabilities will win over more people on a comparison with the Prius. A difference of 4/1/3 in MPG is essentially none. I'm thinking about it, but I'm not liking the idea of a car note again.
Competition spurs innovation, I hope the Ford C-Max delivers! It can get some "patriotic" SUV drivers into a fuel efficient car. It can provide incentive for Toyota to improve their product. It can help keep the buying prices of the cars down.
Don't forget that the next generation is expected in 2014. Also, the price of the battery-pack is an uncertainty. Ford may be eating losses for the sake of proving the technology. That's worthwhile in the short-term, but is a major barrier for high-volume rollout. Ultimately, Ford's design leverages off of the power-split approach giving it similar flexibility to what Toyota has been able to deliver. So, there's lots of potential for good old fashion competition.
Wasn't Ford's first foray into hybrids done with licensing of the Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive system? Is this new one Ford's design or are they working off someone else's?
I thought Ford and Toyota independently developed similar hybrid system. They didn't sue each other, they exchanged patents Ford used Toyota Hybrid patents in exchange for Toyota using some emission patents from Ford. Is Ford Innovative? Part Two. - BusinessWeek
