2014 Fusion Energi Overview
06/15/2013
Ford
The 2014 Ford Fusion Energi is the company's newest plug-in hybrid and instantly differentiates itself from the competition with a total EPA-estimated range of up to 620 miles and the ability to drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode - nearly triple the electric-only range of Toyota Prius plug-in and almost double what's offered by Honda Accord plug-in hybrid.
Such capabilities mean the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi may travel from Boston to Virginia Beach on one tank of gas and one full charge or traverse scenic Highway 101 from Sacramento to San Diego. Or even make one-half of the average commuter's daily trip, estimated to be 20 miles each way.
Its stellar range only adds to the benefits Fusion Energi provides, including EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined - up to 5 MPGe greater than Prius plug-in hybrid. These are numbers the EPA anticipates could help save customers an estimated $6,850 in fuel costs compared with an average new car over the course of five years.
Similar metrics across its entire lineup have helped the Ford brand climb to No. 1 in fuel efficiency customer satisfaction - J.D. Power says Ford now beats Toyota for leading fuel efficiency in every segment where both compete.
Ford delivered its best hybrid quarter ever in the first quarter of 2013, with sales totaling 21,080 vehicles - the first time Ford has sold more than 20,000 hybrids in a quarter. Ford's hybrid sales were up 324 percent nationally over 2012, achieving 16 percent share of the electrified vehicle market - up from 4 percent last year.
This was the first quarter in which Ford offered all four of its new hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi. Ford's first hybrid offerings went on sale in October 2004, nearly a decade ago.
This record sales quarter was driven by the success of the Fusion hybrids and C-MAX hybrids. The design, fuel efficiency and smart technology the company's hybrids offer is attracting an entirely new group of customers to Ford showrooms.
"Fusion Energi rounds out Ford's list of available electrified vehicles perfectly by delivering another option to those who want to drive a hybrid without sacrificing comfort and convenience," said Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development. "In fact, Fusion Energi's ability to drive up to 620 miles almost epitomizes convenience."
The 2014 Ford Fusion Energi takes it a step further, too, by now offering inflatable rear seat belts, heated steering wheel, and two new exterior colors - Dark Side and Sunset.
Benefiting from experience
Fusion Energi benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology it offers, incorporating many of the nearly 500 patents Ford holds in the area of hybrid technology. This extensive experience shows. The acclaimed Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid powersplit technology - which allows for efficient operation - consists of more than 200 patents alone.
Further, Fusion Energi delivers total horsepower of 195 with a fully charged battery - 60 more horsepower than the Prius.
Fusion Energi also boasts standard features such as leather seats, MyFord(R) Mobile and SYNC(R) with MyFord Touch(R). Other available features include active park assist.
Fusion Energi sets itself apart in other ways, too, such as offering the latest generation of SmartGauge(R) with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from Fusion Energi, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on one of two 4.2-inch LCD screens, helping drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects vehicle efficiency.
In the right cluster, imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency. The left cluster can display numerous screens that contain information about the vehicle and how it's being driven. Brake Coach, for example, helps drivers optimize their use of the regenerative braking system so that driving range can be maximized through proper braking techniques.
EV+ is a feature that learns frequent destinations by combining the built-in GPS of Ford SYNC with proprietary software algorithms developed by Ford engineers. As a result, vehicles may deliver more drive time in electric-only mode.
The MyFord Mobile smartphone application allows users to monitor charging, receive alerts, find charge stations, plan trips and do more from their smartphones or computers for an effortless transition to an electrified vehicle lifestyle.
"Ford's electrified vehicles offer a great combination of efficiency, performance, technology and affordability that we believe will help spur further adoption of these advanced vehicles," says Kevin Layden, director, Ford electrification programs and engineering.
Consider other Fusion Energi features:
Eco cruise: Saves vehicle energy by relaxing acceleration compared to standard cruise control
EV mode button: Conveniently mounted on the console to the right of the shifter, allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes - all-electric (EV Now), normal hybrid operation (Auto) or conserve battery power for later use (EV Later)
Regenerative braking: Capable of capturing and reusing up to 95 percent of the kinetic energy of a vehicle coming to a stop
Hybrid transmission: Designed by Ford engineers in-house, this transmission is capable of operating at high speeds and in a smooth, fuel-efficient manner at the same time
Advanced lithium-ion batteries: The batteries used in Ford's electrified vehicle lineup - covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile component limited warranty - are smaller and lighter than previous-generation nickel-metal-hydride batteries
Charge port with LED light ring: Conveniently located on the driver's side and near the front of the car, it features a light ring that illuminates to indicate charge status
Providing choice
With Fusion Energi and Fusion Hybrid, the all-new lineup of Fusion vehicles brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment. Fusion is available in gas-powered versions with a choice between two fuel-efficient EcoBoost(R) four-cylinder engines. In addition, Fusion is available with Ford's patented Auto Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers fuel in stop-and-go city driving.