Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Energi feature power-split technology for speed

Ford’s C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid line continues to excite for 2016.

Both C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi feature Ford’s acclaimed next-generation power-split technology that enables operation in electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid. Two new colors are offered for 2016: Shadow Black and Kona Blue.

With 20 years of Ford research behind the development of these hybrids, the C-MAX line offers impressive handling performance. C-MAX hybrids were Ford’s first dedicated hybrid vehicles for North America.

“With C-MAX, you get road-holding capability, sportiness and performance, in addition to great versatility, great features and great technology in a package designed

to exceed customer expectations,” said John Davis, C-MAX chief nameplate engineer.

C-MAX hybrids are built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

Technology

Standard for the C-MAX line is the company’s innovative hands-free liftgate that allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without ever needing to fumble for keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob. The same motion can be used to close the liftgate.

C-MAX also features SYNC 3. Ford’s new communications and entertainment system is enhanced with faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.

The standard feature offers multiple ways for owners to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, steering wheel controls, touch screens, buttons or knobs. In C-MAX Energi, the system offers battery charge and charge point distance information as well.

C-MAX comes equipped with SmartGauge with EcoGuide — an information system allowing drivers to see fuel economy readings on the instrument pan- el. The technology enables motorists to monitor their driving behavior to better understand how it affects vehicle efficiency.

Additionally, the Brake Coach feature helps drivers choose good braking techniques to fully optimize the regenerative braking system of the vehicle. Imagery of green leaves gives the driver information about overall driving efficiency.

MyFord Mobile — a smartphone application that allows users to monitor charging, find charge stations, receive alerts, plan trips and do more from their smartphones or computers — is also available for C-MAX Energi.

More technology features available for C-MAX include active park assist, push-button start, AM/FM/CD/ MP3 Sony Audio, HD Radio and voice-activated navigation.

Versatility

C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi offer customers plenty of interior versatility and flexibility, along with the urban maneuverability of a smaller vehicle.

The high-roof design provides an overall height of 64 inches. C-MAX boasts higher, command-style seating for five that includes a split, fold-flat second row.

C-MAX Hybrid provides 52.6 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row. C-MAX Energi offers 42.8 cubic feet behind the first row and 19.2 cubic feet behind the second row.

Quality and ingenuity

Ford C-MAX vehicles incorporate software and hardware technology that has been evolving for nearly two decades. The line benefits from analysis of more than 500,000 miles of information collected from the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid test fleet. That data helped engineers understand how plug-in hybrid vehicles are driven and charged, as well as how parts perform under numerous conditions.

“The result is a stunningly efficient system that has been entirely developed by Ford in-house,” said Sherif Marakby, director, Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering. “That’s crucial, because it allows for development of one highly efficient system as opposed to integrating pieces of software and hardware made by different parties with the hope it will not only function properly, but efficiently.”

Both C-MAX vehicles get their power through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder — a powerful, efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.

The electric motors of the C-MAX hybrids are powered by advanced lithium-ion battery systems designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as the control board hardware that has proven field performance.

Lithium-ion battery packs are more efficient than the nickel-metal-hydride batteries used in first-generation hybrid vehicles. They are 25 percent to 30 percent smaller, and 50 percent lighter.

With C-MAX Hybrid, the lithium-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system recaptures more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.

C-MAX Energi can be charged by connecting the vehicle’s external charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or an available 240-volt charging station.

Ford’s next-generation power-split architecture allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine can operate inde- pendent of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions, and works with the engine at higher speeds.

Driver-assist technology

C-MAX hybrids offer driver-assist technologies including 911 Assist, which allows a customer to directly connect hands-free with a local 911 operator should an accident occur in which an airbag deploys.

Standard MyKey technology allows parents to choose from multiple top speed limits and to block explicit satellite radio programing. MyKey issues a persistent audible warning if front occupants do not buckle safety belts. The C-MAX line provides seven airbags throughout.

Other standard driver-assist technologies include Curve Control that is designed to slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast, and Torque Vectoring Control to help accelerate through a turn when necessary. Also standard for the C-MAX line are AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and electric power-assisted steering.