One-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
| Type: Plug-In Hybrid Price: $31,770 Fuel Efficiency: 92 city/81 hwy Seats: 5 |
Best Suited For: Short commute, mostly city driving Notable Features: EV only, clear backup camera, smooth ride Links: Official site |
When considering an electric vehicle, your needs will determine if it’s right for you and which model would be best. If you have drive a lot of short distances but have the occasional need to go further, the 2015 Ford C-Max Energi is an interesting option.
2015 Ford C-Max Energi Review — Power & Performance
This plug-in hybrid offers about 17-20 miles on straight electricity and, when that is exhausted, will kick into hybrid mode with a combination of gas and electric power. When driving on electricity, you don’t have to worry about accelerating at a snail’s pace or staying under 25 mph. You’ll stay on electric power until it’s up, which means smooth driving, plenty of oomph, and no gas. Braking will help regenerate the electricity.
Since this is vehicle hold less charge, it also takes less time to refill it. I love how the plug cover spins open and how the level of power is indicated by how much of the LED ring is lit up.
2015 Ford C-Max Energi Review — Design & Features
The C-Max Energi is easy to drive and performs well in both electric and hybrid modes. Especially in the electric mode, the vehicle is EXTREMELY quiet. There are plenty of tech features so one does not feel they have to sacrifice while lessening their carbon footprint. For example, the feed from the backup camera is incredibly clear. Both Frans and I noticed that right away. It also has a smart lift gate (activated by your foot under the rear bumper) and SYNC with MyFord Touch (making it a connected car).
The placement of the cord is somewhat hidden under the driver seat and is awkward to get in and out. I really hope the designers can come up with a better solution for this. Some people don’t have a dedicated charger at home or work but rely on a standard 120V connection and their included hose instead.
Space in the front is fine. Legroom in the back is okay. The cargo area, however, is practically non-existent. The battery takes up half of the height so supplies you can fit there will be limited.
The 2015 Ford C-Max Energi is a decent entry into the compact electric vehicle space. While it’s definitely not for everyone, I think this could be great for running around town doing errands or if you have a super short commute to work. Just make sure you have a charger to connect so you don’t have to deal with the included cable much.
