It was with the arrival of the C-MAX to American shores that Ford also showed what plans it had for the platform – both in the US and Europe – with the unveiling of two next-generation hybrid vehicles in Detroit, both also bearing the C-MAX moniker.
The company says that the C-MAX Energi, its first-ever production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and C-MAX Hybrid, a full hybrid variant, will be introduced in the US in 2012 and Europe in 2013.
Both versions of the five-passenger vehicle will leverage the company’s global C-car platform, critically acclaimed powersplit hybrid architecture and advanced, lighter and smaller lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems, the latter developed and assembled in-house by Ford in Michigan.
The C-MAX Energi pairs a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, and Ford says that the vehicle will offer more than 800 km of overall driving range using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle.
On start-up, the C-MAX Energi operates in charge-depletion mode, providing electric driving range, until the battery has been depleted or certain conditions are met, where it switches to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.
While the C-MAX Hybrid operates much like today’s hybrid vehicles, the C-MAX Energi benefits from daily charging to maximise its all-electric range, and easily recharges 100% overnight on a 120 volt outlet. The C-MAX Energi shares the same five-point plug as the Focus Electric, and the charge port on the car is located between the driver’s door and front wheel well.
Both the C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid models will be built alongside the Focus Electric – which is set to go on sale late this year – at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, while European C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid production will be carried out in Valencia, Spain.
Gallery after the jump.
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Hi…
Somehow the lower front grill remind me of aston martin & of couse it’s cygnet…
dont understand why Ford uses Aston’s grill for their hybrid for what ??
be more creative pls!
Actually their Verve concept had this grille, I don’t think it was intentionally meant for the hybrid line-up.
Ford joining the hybrid family too? The hybrid market will be really competitive indeed in the next 3 years.
i can’t help it to say the front grill is exactly the same like an aston martin..
can you come to malaysia?… quickly
Hmmm…..
When will this c-max hybrid comes to Malaysia?
How much will it cost?
The rear look a bit like the new avanza, no?