Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid to Deliver 550-Mile Range, More than 20 Miles on Electric Power

Once again, the Blue Oval is on a bragging spree specifically targeting Toyota, which we don't know whether it should feel complimented or aggrieved.
Today, Ford said it expects its new 2013 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid minivan to achieve more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of electric-only range, noting that's "nearly double the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid".
The automaker added that C-MAX Energi has an overall driving range of 550 miles (885 kilometers), which in theory will allow a driver to go from Sacramento to San Diego on a single tank of gasoline.
"With a maximum electric-only speed projected to top that of Prius plug-in, C-MAX Energi drivers might be able to reach wherever they’re going a little faster, too," Ford added in a cheeky statement.
The C-MAX Energi is said to deliver a fuel economy that is the equivalent of 95 miles per gallon (MPGe) combined city/highway.
"We are proud C-MAX Energi is the first plug-in hybrid that can deliver a 550-mile overall range and more than 20 miles of electric range as it gives customers great flexibility to commute to work, then take off for a road trip while passing many gas stations along the way," says John Davis, chief engineer for Ford’s compact cars and utility vehicles.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3

The expansion of the new BMW 3-Series (F30) range in the U.S. continues with the ActiveHybrid 3 model, pricing of which was announced today ahead of the beginning of sales this fall.
The first-ever hybrid version of the 3-Series carries an MSRP of $49,300 (€39,800), excluding an $895 destination and handling fee (*) that raises the price to $50,195.
The ActiveHybrid 3's powertrain blends the 335i's TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with an electric motor powered by a high-voltage battery.
The 335i's output is already 300hp and 300 lb-ft, but with an electric motor helping out, those figures are lifted to 335bhp (340PS) and 332 lb-ft (450Nm), an increase of 13 percent and 11 percent respectively.
The synchronous electric motor develops a maximum output of 55hp and a constant peak torque of 155 lb-ft from a standing start.
BMW says that in addition to the power boost, the electric motor can drive the ActiveHybrid 3 by itself for speeds up to 45 mph (70 km/h) and for a distance up to 2.5 miles (four kilometers).
The ActiveHybrid 3 is capable of a 0-60mph (96km/h) acceleration time of 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h) when fitted with performance tires.
By comparison, the $42,800 (excluding handling and destination) 335i sedan with the automatic transmission completes 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds while topping out at 155mph.
The Bavarian company has not yet announced fuel economy figures for the U.S. model.
Across the pond, BMW says the ActiveHybrid 3 has an average fuel consumption of 6.4 lt/100 km

New Jaguar XJ Hybrid

Jaguar chose the Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from June 28 to July 1 for the world premiere of a new technology study based on the XJ limousine.

The new XJ_e was created to exhibit Jaguar-Land Rover's (JLR) capabilities and future plans as in theory, the concept's plug-in hybrid drivetrain can be used in most of the group's models. The study follows other hybrid research demonstrators from JLR including the Limo Green and Range_e vehicles.
Before we dive into more details, we should note that the XJ_e project was part funded by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board through the REEVolution project, and engineered in partnership with several UK technology companies "to help develop expertise for ultra-low carbon vehicles within the supply chain".
The XJ_e is fitted with a parallel, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system, which combines the JLR's 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine with a hybridised 8-speed automatic transmission for a combined output of 329hp (334PS).
The hybrid system makes use of a 69kW motor/generator and a 12.8kWh Lithium Ion battery pack, which can be fully charged by a 240V domestic supply in about four hours.
Jaguar says the XJ_e can run on pure electricity for up to 40km (25miles), on gasoline power alone, or a combination of both.
The plug-in hybrid version of the XJ is capable of completing the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in under 6.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250km/h (150mph).
According to the British company, the XJ_e achieves CO2 emissions of "less than 75g/km" and an average fuel consumption of 3.2lt/100km (88.3mpg UK or 73.4mpg US).
The XJ_e will be displayed in the FoS-TECH Technology Pavilion at Goodwood over the weekend.



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