EPA To Look Into Fuel Economy Of Fusion, C-Max Hybrids

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 10, 2012

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Saturday that it would look into the Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid not getting the claimed 47 MPG combined.

On Thursday, Consumer Reports said their test C-Max and Fusion Hybrids are not coming anywhere close to the 47 MPG combined. The C-Max Hybrid got 37 MPG combined and the Fusion got 39 MPG combined.

"These two vehicles have the largest discrepancy between our overall-mpg results and the estimates published by the EPA that we've seen among any current models," Consumer Reports said in a statement.

If the EPA finds a discrepancy in Ford's mileage claims, they will likely impose civil penalties.

The EPA does say hybrids have far more variability in miles per gallon when compared to their gas counterparts.

"There's absolutely no doubt: A hybrid is going to be far more variable than a conventional vehicle. If you said that I could operate in EV-mode until 60 miles an hour for a period of time, you go a long portion on (the EPA) test cycle without the engine going on. That's going to improve your fuel economy," said Linc Wehrly, director of light-duty vehicle center compliance division at the EPA's Ann Arbor laboratory.

Ford says customers have been impressed with the C-Max and Fusion Hybrids.

"Early C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid customers praise the vehicles and report a range of fuel economy figures, including some reports above 47 mpg. This reinforces the fact that driving styles, driving conditions and other factors can cause mileage to vary," said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood.

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.