First Highway Trip with 2016 C-Max

[markd]

Ford is bringing twenty Hibryd vehicles to the US market so no worries. I assume that the Grand C-max isn't here for the same reason that Mazda doesn't sell the Mazda5 here anymore, no buyer's.

[raadsel]

Ford is bringing twenty Hibryd vehicles to the US market so no worries. I assume that the Grand C-max isn't here for the same reason that Mazda doesn't sell the Mazda5 here anymore, no buyer's.

 

I'm curious where you saw that Ford will bring 20 Hybrid vehicles to the US market soon? The most recent thing I've seen is "13 electrified vehicles" in the next five years, but that number is a combination of pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles -- and that includes two police cruisers.

[markd]

Sorry, it's only 13

[nsteblay]

46.5 MPG in my first month of my new 2016 C-Max. I also have a 2013. The 2016 gets better mileage using the new ECO mode.  My driving is mostly a ~35 mile commute on freeway during rush hours.

 

[ptjones]

 

46.5 MPG in my first month of my new 2016 C-Max. I also have a 2013. The 2016 gets better mileage using the new ECO mode.  My driving is mostly a ~35 mile commute on freeway during rush hours.

 

I tried the ECO Mode on a 2017 CMAX Hybrid and didn't like it. :sad:  It acts like a Prius/NIRO want to be(Not Good), I still believe the EV to 15mph then 2 Bar acceleration to speed will get better gas mileage, because of how the Hybrid System is designed to operate. :)  :shift:  I believe the ICE runs more efficiently at 2 Bars and if you move away from that MPG's will go down. Are you using EV15/2 Bar?

 

Paul

[nsteblay]

I tried the ECO Mode on a 2017 CMAX Hybrid and didn't like it. :sad:  It acts like a Prius/NIRO want to be(Not Good), I still believe the EV to 15mph then 2 Bar acceleration to speed will get better gas mileage, because of how the Hybrid System is designed to operate. :)  :shift:  I believe the ICE runs more efficiently at 2 Bars and if you move away from that MPG's will go down. Are you using EV15/2 Bar?

 

Paul

Yes, it isn't quite as responsive, but it still seems to accelerate when needed, and it does get better mileage.  More interesting to me is how I don't need to break as often.  The car slows down more quickly when off the gas.  I probably break half as much as when not in ECO mode.  I do drive differently in the CMax, but no, I don't pay that much attention to staying under 2 bars. I am more interested in surviving my 35 mile commute during rush hour!  One of the reasons I bought another CMax versus a Prius, KIA or Hundai is the CMax's ability to accelerate decently. Also, the price was phenomenal and I do feel good about it being made in Detroit.  

[plus 3 golfer]

Yes, it isn't quite as responsive, but it still seems to accelerate when needed, and it does get better mileage.  More interesting to me is how I don't need to break as often.  The car slows down more quickly when off the gas.  I probably break half as much as when not in ECO mode.  I do drive differently in the CMax, but no, I don't pay that much attention to staying under 2 bars. I am more interested in surviving my 35 mile commute during rush hour!  One of the reasons I bought another CMax versus a Prius, KIA or Hundai is the CMax's ability to accelerate decently. Also, the price was phenomenal and I do feel good about it being made in Detroit.  

How does your brake score compare between the 2013 and 2016?  

 

It would seem that it might be easier to get a higher brake score with a higher level of regenerative braking but that doesn't necessarily translate into higher FE because one should get better FE with less regenerative braking when one is not coming to a complete stop.  Ones best FE would be to coast in N (no regenerative braking) to a stop.  

 

Based on my testing a few years ago, regenerative braking losses are more than most think such that the difference between say an overall average 95% brake score vs a 97% brake score saves very little energy. But, for those drivers that have difficulty getting 90% and now using the new eco mode can achieve 97% with the extra regenerative braking in Eco mode, they will likely improves their FE slightly when comming to a complete stop.

 

With ForScan, I can watch brake pressure in real time.  So, one can develop a "feel" for when one applies to much brake pressure and the friction brakes are applied.  I would rather have full control of regenerative braking from none to maximum using the brake pedal.  As I've said before, I'd like a threshold screen for regenerative braking much like the threshold screen in Empower for EV operation. 

 

Also, the 2016 has the aero mods that the 2013 doesn't have.  There are probably other tweaks like the new Eco mode that might improve FE in the 2016 over the 2013.  Hasn't it been verified that the 2016 is limited to about 65 mph in EV only mode?  

[SnowStorm]

No, this post says a 2016 still goes to 85 mph EV.

[ptjones]

Regen Braking Score isn't very important for HWY driving unless you are in Stop & Go traffic. But in City driving it is very important, It all comes down to how many times you use the brakes per mile.  On the FWY you could go 400 miles and use your brakes a few times as compared to City driving where you could be using the brakes 5 to 10 times per mile. Big difference. :) You get the best MPG's by not using the brakes at all, a little hard to do. :lol2:

 

Paul

[joshg678]

My dad also says the ECO select gives him better FE but I still can't stand it.

I just got back from Nashville and I was doing about 86MPH in EV mode a few times. (Down hill of course)

Also noticed once you get above 65MPH you have to let off of the throttle all the way to kick in EV. Well not all the way. But till there is no bar and your on the regen adjustment part of the throttle.

[16redsel]

It's hard to sell a car if you don't advertise it.  I'm seeing alot more CMAX's in my area now, I think a lot of CMAX's with low miles are available now coming off leases and trade ins which has put a hurt on new CMAX sales. :sad: Noticed FFH sales were real good last month. :)

 

Paul

   Yeah, Paul and thats what I kinda realized when researching the Cmax. Recently got a 2016 SEL for well under $20K. Dealer said no one's buying new 'cause they

see the huge 1st year depreciation. too bad, but I'm enjoying mine.

 

16redsel