garywa01

Sophomore Author
Alberta
Posts:130 Points:378,415 Joined:Jan 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 3:50:52 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 24, 2012 7:12:57 PM
we should have had this long before now!!!!!
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DeepWaterTitan

All-Star Author
Riverside
Posts:668 Points:228,140 Joined:Sep 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 4:07:29 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 6:59:29 AM
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:172,885 Joined:May 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 5:37:12 AM
I am looking forward to test driving one!
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honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:18,599 Points:1,607,570 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 11:44:58 PM
pilotmass: are you sure? from the reading, it appears this is still a semi-prototype.
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pilotmass

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,814 Points:500,660 Joined:Jul 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 8:41:00 AM
Saw one today in White. Very smart.
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honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:18,599 Points:1,607,570 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 11:55:47 PM
overpriced toy. Takes way too long for ROI.
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A2J

Champion Author
Richmond
Posts:3,070 Points:601,975 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 2:25:35 PM
$30K
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InvisiBill

Rookie Author
Michigan
Posts:45 Points:884,050 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 1:09:32 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:2,782 Points:1,449,940 Joined:Jun 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 11:09:51 AM
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:2,225 Points:1,205,560 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:34:09 AM
Go Ford!
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sparky808

Champion Author
Honolulu
Posts:2,993 Points:596,760 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:31:55 AM
Old post.
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BudsterMO

Champion Author
Kansas City
Posts:3,699 Points:701,960 Joined:Aug 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:51:04 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 4:51:02 AM
Seems like a much better buy than the Volt.
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Mr_Bill_W

All-Star Author
Virginia
Posts:566 Points:356,760 Joined:Feb 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:44:57 AM
Old but good news...
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BlueVanGroup

Champion Author
Colorado
Posts:7,202 Points:1,526,705 Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:38:03 AM
The alleged MPG hasn't changed since yesterday.
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Soglaos

Champion Author
Virginia Beach
Posts:2,770 Points:736,485 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:37:39 AM
Repeat
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waynemustang

Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:6,362 Points:1,663,610 Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:35:56 AM
Can Ford do it with less subsidies than other manufacturers?
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Wolfwings

Champion Author
Delaware
Posts:8,730 Points:1,774,515 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:34:19 AM
Again?
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bluenvoy

Champion Author
Nashville
Posts:14,954 Points:1,873,965 Joined:Oct 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:34:04 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:2,329 Points:470,765 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:33:45 AM
ok.
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mikesr100

Champion Author
Sacramento
Posts:3,883 Points:1,078,785 Joined:Apr 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:33:15 AM
Go Ford
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dlzastera

Champion Author
Minnesota
Posts:4,500 Points:1,021,395 Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:31:28 AM
Ford is king.
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orcar

Champion Author
Boise
Posts:2,048 Points:775,815 Joined:Jun 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:30:58 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:2,346 Points:1,847,500 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:30:32 AM
interesting...might even be affordable
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TriniB

Champion Author
Montreal
Posts:2,350 Points:437,690 Joined:Oct 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:30:20 AM
Something to look for.
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Double_Golden

Champion Author
San Francisco
Posts:2,555 Points:603,660 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:30:03 AM
very good, but priced...
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VernonOR

Champion Author
Oregon
Posts:2,905 Points:735,920 Joined:Aug 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:29:41 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:26,568 Points:2,900,145 Joined:Aug 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:29:29 AM
Saw this already. Bully for Ford.
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LQQKGAS

Champion Author
Phoenix
Posts:2,663 Points:1,194,145 Joined:Oct 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:29:12 AM
You CANNOT measure electricity in MPG !!!
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101Speedster

Champion Author
Ventura
Posts:30,413 Points:2,715,695 Joined:May 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:28:18 AM
peapaw,
You are not happy with 108 mpg?
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traumer

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:5,364 Points:1,336,500 Joined:Aug 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:27:37 AM
It all sounds good, could give Prius some competition.
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peapaw

Champion Author
Ohio
Posts:4,030 Points:686,820 Joined:Jun 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:27:27 AM
Still not the answer.
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drobbbb

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:3,466 Points:810,380 Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:27:27 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 4:26:31 AM
same as yesterday
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donny47

Champion Author
New Hampshire
Posts:2,651 Points:984,465 Joined:Feb 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:26:18 AM
hope it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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BeaconLite

Champion Author
Ottawa
Posts:1,932 Points:368,300 Joined:Sep 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:25:19 AM
Look out toyota.
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bluebird1

Champion Author
Toronto
Posts:15,725 Points:3,106,175 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:25:00 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:414,077 Points:1,585,685 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:24:29 AM
same story different day...
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nanu4u21

Champion Author
Orange County
Posts:1,093 Points:236,835 Joined:Aug 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:23:56 AM
ok
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LostAgain2009

Champion Author
New Mexico
Posts:2,394 Points:710,730 Joined:Apr 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:23:20 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:7,564 Points:2,304,995 Joined:Jul 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:22:21 AM
Nice specs, but not-so-nice price.
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Black Wagon

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,302 Points:1,800,820 Joined:Mar 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:22:05 AM
Why all of the old news? It's not the weekend.
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nauzad

Champion Author
Las Vegas
Posts:1,009 Points:284,030 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:21:45 AM
Yesterday's news again!
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JimVP

All-Star Author
Chicago
Posts:632 Points:153,460 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:21:19 AM
Cost of car remains an issue.
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packards42

Champion Author
Washington
Posts:6,435 Points:1,126,640 Joined:Feb 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:21:04 AM
yes, but the price to get in one.
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Diesel_Ram

Champion Author
Dallas
Posts:6,492 Points:1,516,510 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:21:02 AM
Again, yesterdays story
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Old Timer

Champion Author
Akron
Posts:3,727 Points:1,260,090 Joined:Sep 2003
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:20:23 AM
Old article
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derek84us

All-Star Author
Rochester
Posts:716 Points:39,850 Joined:May 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:20:11 AM
We need charging stations
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