Ford has recently announced the 2013 C-Max Energi will be launched in the United States this fall. It seems like a challenge message to the Toyota Prius.
According to the North American carmaker, the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid can go as fast as 85 mph on battery power alone, while the top speed of its rival in EV mode is only 65 mph. In addition, the car will get "an EV mode button", which allows the driver to choose among three different modes, the electric mode without gasoline engine power, the normal hybrid mode or a battery saving mode which is reserving the pack power for a later use.
Power comes from a gasoline engine and electric motor which develop up to 195 hp. The model can travel up to 20 miles on battery power alone and has a total range of 550 miles.
The 2013 Ford C-Max Energi will arrive in 19 local markets this fall, followed by a nationwide launch in all 50 states in early 2013. It has a starting price of $33,745, including a $795 destination charge. For comparison, the 2012 Toyota Prius Two starts at $24,760, including a $760 destination charge, while the 2012 Chevrolet Volt costs $39,995, including an $850 destination charge.
