Ford Fusion Energi gets official 100 MPGe rating from EPA

By Stephen Edelstein January 1, 2013

Since its unveiling, Ford has claimed that the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid will return 100 MPGe in mixed city and highway driving. Now it’s official: the EPA has bestowed a 100 MPGe rating on the Fusion Energi

Ford is touting the Fusion as America’s “most fuel-efficient” sedan, which is true, but the Fusion is also in a class of one. The only other plug-in hybrid sedan currently available is the much dearer Fisker Karma, which is rated at 54 MPGe combined.

Since the Fusion Energi can travel up to 20 miles on electricity only, conventional hybrid sedans like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can’t really compete. Look for that to change in the near future, though, with the introduction of the Honda Accord plug-in.

Relevant competition or not, the Fusion Energi’s 100 MPGe rating is still impressive. It beats the Toyota Prius plug-in (95 MPGe) and the Chevrolet Volt (98 MPGe), two hybrid mainstays.

The Fusion Energi’s fuel economy matches Ford’s other plug-in, the C-Max Energi. Both cars also use the same powertrain: a 188 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, and electric motor with lithium-ion battery pack.

With the exception of a larger battery pack, that powertrain is lifted from the regular hybrid versions of the Fusion and C-Max. Like their plug-in siblings, the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid have identical fuel economy ratings (47 mpg in all three categories).

However, the hybrids’ EPA ratings were challenged recently by Consumer Reports, and are now under review. Ford cites the inherent variability of hybrid driving as the reason for the discrepancy.

Plug-in hybrids come with their own set of variables, so the Blue Oval crew may not be ready to celebrate until the Fusion Energi gets some real world mileage under its wheels.

The Fusion Energi goes on sale soon, with a starting price of $39,495 for a base SE model. That’s significantly more than the $27,995 Fusion Hybrid, but as with nearly everything else in the car world, you have to pay more to get more.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.