C-Max hybrid to get 47mpg both city/hwy

Absolutely. I think it takes the fun out of driving a hybrid car. There should be a way to turn if off... but then EPA will not like it since it'll mess with how the car was tested.

 

Didn't Huskers just say it is possible to turn it off?

 

I thought Jeff N was referring to turning off the path prediction hybrid engine programming (not the actual traction control).

 

I was talking about the path prediction.

The car can be set to no longer try to learn routes. I guess it could try to use the path data it has up to that point, but I don't see the logic in that. If it does, you could try resetting it with lifetime MPG, and leave it off.

Since the vast majority of our driving is repeated routes, it's a good way to increase efficiency. A turn off is needed so that the 10% road trips don't mess up the daily route data, at the least.

Husker, since the first use of your C-max was for a road trip, you probably want to consider resetting the route info. I don't know your normal daily miles though, and with enough of them, the route info from early on might push it 'off the page' to speak. In which case, resetting will just delay the higher fuel economy.

Turning it off, and see if you can drive it like your Civic hybrid is worth a test.

 

Thanks, I totally missed his post.

 

I own a 2005 Accord hybrid and a 2007 Prius touring/w package 5. I have had both cars since new, I am planning to purchase a 2013 Fusion Hybrid or Energi.
If you own a Prius and have not driven the new Cmax you will be amazed. The Cmax is a much better driving car, very quiet inside! It is almost imperceptible to tell when you transition between the engine and the electric motor, much more power available with the total 188HP.
The Cmax is also amazingly roomy and with the high seating the view is excellent. The fusion fits my need for a larger road car. I you are replacing a Prius you owe it to yourself to check out the Cmax.

 

That's the same thing I noticed between my previous 2006 Prius and the new 2012 Prius PHV. I have not driven the C-Max hybrid so I can't compare.

New car will drive better than an old car. Improvements in Gen III should also be considered when upgrading from Gen II.

 

Any update?

 

I did reset the lifetime EV+ and turned it off. Am finding around 43-44mpg in town to be the norm for me (it has been cooler lately). Once I am more of the sole driver of the car and am around town a lot I will turn EV+ back on.

I did find the tires to be low by 2psi (at 36 ... Recommended is 38 ... I set them at 40psi). Highway mpg was about what it was prior. I did do a period of driving right at 60mph (the highway speed limit generally here in Nebraska) and was achieving 45-47mpg. My theory about the 62mph cut off for best fuel economy seems to hold true in practice. Staying at 62mph and under makes a significant difference. At 64mph I was still seeing 38-39mpg for the most part.

Drove on some gravel while heading home as well and have to say the C Max handled it much better than my Prius. The extra 1/2" of ground clearance was noticeable.

 

This is sounding better. Good news!

Have you been attempting to separate City and Highway driving data?

 

Wonder what's your lifetime MPG now.

 

Last night, I saw a Ford commercial for the C-MAX and they cited it as competition for the "Prius v" . . . and I remembered this table:

	Column 1
0	[th]model[th]pass. vol.[th]lug. vol.[th]total vol[th]EPA combined[tr][td]prius v[td]97 ft{3}[td]34 ft{3}[td]131 ft{3}[td]42 MPG[tr][td]C-MAX[td]100 ft{3}[td]24 ft{3}[td]124 ft{3}[td]47 MPG[tr][td]prius[td]94 ft{3}[td]22 ft{3}[td]116 ft{3}[td]50 MPG

Source: Fuel Economy

Bob Wilson

 

The 62mph limit before fuel economy drops seems true for most cars.

 

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid: Quick Gas-Mileage Test

 

I'm just waiting to see what John Gerdes gets with it. Probably won't see that review until the end of November though.

 

Yes, that is very true ... BUT I think it's especially true for the C-Max ... and more extreme the difference since 62mph is where EV will still engage.

 

Comparing curb weights!

Prius HB: 3042 lbs
C-Max Hybrid: 3,607 lbs.

Prius v: 3,274 lbs
C-Max Hybrid: 3,607 lbs.

Prius PIP: 3165 lbs.
C-Max Energi: 3,859 lbs.

Any idea what will be the combined mpg of the 3,859 lbs C-Max Energi after EV depletion? For reference, the Chevy Volt is: 3,781 lbs. curb weight.

Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid rated at 100 MPGe, combined

 

Let's see - prius v - 3274 lbs, 42mpg - c-max 3607 47 mpg.
Note the lack of corelation. This is because on the city test the regen brakes help take care of the weight. Its likely the hybrid system including regen is doing better on the c-max. On the highway test weight doesn't have that much of an impact, ice efficienty and cdA is more important.

prius phv is heavier than the prius liftback but gets 51/49 versus 51/48. The added battery helps make that hybrid acceleration and braking more efficient inspite of the extra weight.

 

I would caution that weight is not the only determinant of mileage:

For the past decade, hybrid skeptics often used similar assertions to claim the Prius could not work. For example, Penn of Penn and Teller fame often cites the 'heavy Prius battery'. Then the car goes out on the street and shows it is more than weight.

The total system delivers performance and weight is just a by-product of the systems. The key is having effective systems. Since you mentioned the PIP and regular hatchback, this report gives a clue as to how a heavier car can out perform a lighter one with identical engines and transmission:
2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Prototype First Test - Motor Trend


Bob Wilson

 

It is 43 MPG for Energi. C-Max Hybrid is rated 47 MPG.

I think the weight will affect the MPG for the aggressive drivers. Unless you drive like the EPA cycle, you are not going to get 43 or 47 MPG.

Isn't it amazing that PiP weights less than C-Max Hybrid?