garywa01

Sophomore Author
Alberta
Posts:130 Points:401,215 Joined:Jan 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 9:50:52 AM
That is cool!
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TTQuattro

Rookie Author
Indiana
Posts:72 Points:45,060 Joined:Oct 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 1:12:57 AM
we should have had this long before now!!!!!
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DeepWaterTitan

All-Star Author
Riverside
Posts:766 Points:254,565 Joined:Sep 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 10:07:29 PM
I need to find a smaller car with all the traveling I have been doing
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RINdriver

Rookie Author
Indiana
Posts:53 Points:28,720 Joined:Aug 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 12:59:29 PM
Just a thought - will my employer or even public shopping areas soon have publicly accessible charging stations? These type of hybrids really don't seem to be geared to the more open areas of the central states.
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EVDreamer

Rookie Author
Kansas City
Posts:3 Points:194,110 Joined:May 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 11:37:12 AM
I am looking forward to test driving one!
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honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:18,818 Points:1,636,245 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 19, 2012 5:44:58 AM
pilotmass: are you sure? from the reading, it appears this is still a semi-prototype.
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pilotmass

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,966 Points:529,335 Joined:Jul 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 2:41:00 PM
Saw one today in White. Very smart.
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honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:18,818 Points:1,636,245 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 5:55:47 AM
overpriced toy. Takes way too long for ROI.
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A2J

Champion Author
Richmond
Posts:3,205 Points:628,700 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 8:25:35 PM
$30K
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InvisiBill

Rookie Author
Michigan
Posts:45 Points:905,050 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:09:32 PM
This is basically just Ford's answer to the Volt (which is rated at 98MPGe overall). For a fair comparison, the Volt is $31,645 after tax credits. Maybe it's location-based, but Ford's site is actually showing $32,950 MSRP for me. The C-Max is (maybe?) a little cheaper, but it's also lacking in some specs.
C-Max Specs Volt Specs
The battery is less than half the size of the Volt's (7.6kWh vs. 16.5kWh). While it may be a little more efficient, I'd expect quite a reduction in the electric-only range simply due to the much smaller battery. The Ford has a 14 gallon gas tank, while the Chevy's is 9.3. Keep in mind that the EPA tests are 11 miles or less, so a plug-in hybrid could get very high window sticker numbers, but not have much capacity for real-world use. They mention that they're coming up with new tests for plug-in hybrids, but they don't have any details on those changes.
The C-Max has a higher rated horsepower, but doesn't list torque. It has a larger ICE with more power. The way they list the specs, it seems like it uses the ICE substantially for powering the car, whereas the Volt doesn't.
The Ford has a little more room inside, but it's 7" taller. The Volt seems to be a little sleeker, while the C-Max is more rounded on top (which is probably where it gets the extra volume inside, as the other dimensions are pretty similar). Personally, I like the styling of the Volt better, but everyone will have their own opinion on that.
I think plug-in hybrids are a good transitional vehicle. If chosen properly, they can give you the benefits of an EV most of the time with the convenience of a gas engine when needed. I don't think this model is any sort of exceptional creation, but competition will only lead to improvements and price reductions. But as many people have said, the high purchase price currently makes them a pretty poor value for many people. My car averages over 30mpg (without even thinking about trying to drive economically), which is quite a bit better than the average 23mpg they used for their comparisons (meaning there would be less savings than in their example).
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Billbop

Champion Author
St. Louis
Posts:2,787 Points:1,458,215 Joined:Jun 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 5:09:51 PM
The only way we'll ever get prices down is to move to electric vehicles and let the BigOil companies see if they can eat their oil.
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GatorGuy

Champion Author
Columbia
Posts:2,284 Points:1,226,490 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 1:34:09 PM
Go Ford!
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sparky808

Champion Author
Honolulu
Posts:3,139 Points:624,685 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 1:31:55 PM
Old post.
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BudsterMO

Champion Author
Kansas City
Posts:3,845 Points:730,655 Joined:Aug 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:51:04 AM
The C-Max Energi is still a battery powered car with all of the well known problems that go with EVs. No thank you. I will wait on the Compressed Natural Gas or Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered vehicles.
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PontiacFan

All-Star Author
Gary
Posts:776 Points:434,775 Joined:Mar 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:51:02 AM
Seems like a much better buy than the Volt.
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Mr_Bill_W

All-Star Author
Virginia
Posts:581 Points:378,735 Joined:Feb 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:44:57 AM
Old but good news...
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BlueVanGroup

Champion Author
Colorado
Posts:7,341 Points:1,555,120 Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:38:03 AM
The alleged MPG hasn't changed since yesterday.
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Soglaos

Champion Author
Virginia Beach
Posts:2,851 Points:764,655 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:37:39 AM
Repeat
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waynemustang

Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:6,465 Points:1,690,260 Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:35:56 AM
Can Ford do it with less subsidies than other manufacturers?
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Wolfwings

Champion Author
Delaware
Posts:8,876 Points:1,803,190 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:34:19 AM
Again?
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bluenvoy

Champion Author
Nashville
Posts:15,164 Points:1,899,640 Joined:Oct 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:34:04 AM
And when you plug it in, it will use more electricity then a 4 bedroom house. And it's not cheap either.
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Kaiyne

Champion Author
Chicago
Posts:2,475 Points:499,440 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:33:45 AM
ok.
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mikesr100

Champion Author
Sacramento
Posts:4,030 Points:1,107,440 Joined:Apr 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:33:15 AM
Go Ford
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dlzastera

Champion Author
Minnesota
Posts:4,640 Points:1,049,695 Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:31:28 AM
Ford is king.
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orcar

Champion Author
Boise
Posts:2,153 Points:802,815 Joined:Jun 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:30:58 AM
I just placed an order for the Obamamobile. It has a solar panel from Solyndra, a battery from A123, a wind turbine and a EPA sticker. My cost $2,000,000 give or take a few tax dollars.
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yeehaw1073

Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:2,456 Points:1,874,600 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:30:32 AM
interesting...might even be affordable
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TriniB

Champion Author
Montreal
Posts:2,362 Points:439,490 Joined:Oct 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:30:20 AM
Something to look for.
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Double_Golden

Champion Author
San Francisco
Posts:2,695 Points:632,110 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:30:03 AM
very good, but priced...
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VernonOR

Champion Author
Oregon
Posts:3,013 Points:758,005 Joined:Aug 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:29:41 AM
Yesterday news..love the mileage, good for Ford, but can't afford the price tag.
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AC-302

Champion Author
Los Angeles
Posts:26,845 Points:2,928,295 Joined:Aug 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:29:29 AM
Saw this already. Bully for Ford.
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LQQKGAS

Champion Author
Phoenix
Posts:2,765 Points:1,221,700 Joined:Oct 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:29:12 AM
You CANNOT measure electricity in MPG !!!
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101Speedster

Champion Author
Ventura
Posts:30,842 Points:2,742,420 Joined:May 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:28:18 AM
peapaw,
You are not happy with 108 mpg?
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traumer

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:5,504 Points:1,364,200 Joined:Aug 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:27:37 AM
It all sounds good, could give Prius some competition.
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peapaw

Champion Author
Ohio
Posts:4,180 Points:715,495 Joined:Jun 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:27:27 AM
Still not the answer.
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drobbbb

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:3,590 Points:837,010 Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:27:27 AM
we'll see
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Moppy1981

Rookie Author
Milwaukee
Posts:58 Points:3,275 Joined:Mar 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:26:31 AM
same as yesterday
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donny47

Champion Author
New Hampshire
Posts:2,761 Points:1,006,315 Joined:Feb 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:26:18 AM
hope it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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BeaconLite

Champion Author
Ottawa
Posts:2,075 Points:395,980 Joined:Sep 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:25:19 AM
Look out toyota.
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bluebird1

Champion Author
Toronto
Posts:15,868 Points:3,133,875 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:25:00 AM
It's an acheivement but not that big, since it's too expensive to make it worthwhile or widespread enough.
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lightbulbman2008

Champion Author
Worcester
Posts:420,500 Points:1,614,360 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:24:29 AM
same story different day...
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nanu4u21

Champion Author
Orange County
Posts:1,188 Points:262,490 Joined:Aug 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:23:56 AM
ok
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LostAgain2009

Champion Author
New Mexico
Posts:2,437 Points:724,605 Joined:Apr 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:23:20 AM
You want fresh articles then go to the All Recent News link and bump up some other articles.
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Rajah

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,642 Points:2,328,480 Joined:Jul 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:22:21 AM
Nice specs, but not-so-nice price.
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Black Wagon

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,447 Points:1,828,745 Joined:Mar 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:22:05 AM
Why all of the old news? It's not the weekend.
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nauzad

Champion Author
Las Vegas
Posts:1,109 Points:301,205 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:21:45 AM
Yesterday's news again!
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JimVP

All-Star Author
Chicago
Posts:647 Points:163,335 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:21:19 AM
Cost of car remains an issue.
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packards42

Champion Author
Washington
Posts:6,535 Points:1,147,920 Joined:Feb 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:21:04 AM
yes, but the price to get in one.
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Diesel_Ram

Champion Author
Dallas
Posts:6,634 Points:1,545,125 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:21:02 AM
Again, yesterdays story
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Old Timer

Champion Author
Akron
Posts:3,873 Points:1,289,515 Joined:Sep 2003
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:20:23 AM
Old article
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derek84us

All-Star Author
Rochester
Posts:781 Points:43,175 Joined:May 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:20:11 AM
We need charging stations
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