I took a fully charged, new Ford Fusion Energi for a test drive. For those who don't know, it's the "plug in hybrid" version. Normally, I would not post a review on a simple test drive, but this one warrants it.
First, unlike the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and especially the Tesla, this thing is slow and unresponsive in EV mode. Yes, it will accelerate all the way up to about 65MPH, given enough time. But, I could not get it to go any faster in EV mode. Too bad, as the highway speed limit here is 70. Maybe, under different conditions, it could have gone a bit faster. Maybe not. In any case, it did not display any of that typical "electric car" mid range torque that is so satisfying. It simply felt like I was needlessly holding up traffic. The battery capacity is small, so EV range is quite limited.
Once I switched to normal engine mode, the car drove much like a typical Fusion Hybrid. Quiet enough, smooth and more than fast enough to keep up with traffic and confidently pass others. However, in this mode the battery did not seem to deplete. So, I don't believe it was helping the MPG's much.
Overall, I'd describe the power, the throttle response and the electric motor feel as "numb". The regen mode, was also less aggressive than other hybrid cars and seemed to be unable to recapture energy fully. In other words, I was into the brakes on most stops.
Conclusion: This car does not have a big enough electric motor/battery combo to deliver a satisfying driving experience. While it may save fuel in EV mode, it will do so at the expense of the cars behind it. And, I can't imagine any driving enthusiast spending more than a few minutes in this car.
For a valid comparison, a VW microbus with 46HP engine and a load of surfers is equally fast.
OK, we get it cujet, it's slow in EV mode. What about the rest of the car? The steering is typical of modern cars, it feels acceptable and is reasonably responsive. The seats are very comfortable, and the rear seat leg room seems improved from previous generation Fusions. Still, the rear is a just a bit tight for full sized adults. The interior is typical modern Ford, that is to say, quite nice indeed. Even the stereo sounds great. Fit and finish of the body was excellent, and the trunk still had enough room to be quite practical.
The advantage of the Fusion Energi is the price. A full $10,000 less than a similarly equipped Volt.
First, unlike the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and especially the Tesla, this thing is slow and unresponsive in EV mode. Yes, it will accelerate all the way up to about 65MPH, given enough time. But, I could not get it to go any faster in EV mode. Too bad, as the highway speed limit here is 70. Maybe, under different conditions, it could have gone a bit faster. Maybe not. In any case, it did not display any of that typical "electric car" mid range torque that is so satisfying. It simply felt like I was needlessly holding up traffic. The battery capacity is small, so EV range is quite limited.
Once I switched to normal engine mode, the car drove much like a typical Fusion Hybrid. Quiet enough, smooth and more than fast enough to keep up with traffic and confidently pass others. However, in this mode the battery did not seem to deplete. So, I don't believe it was helping the MPG's much.
Overall, I'd describe the power, the throttle response and the electric motor feel as "numb". The regen mode, was also less aggressive than other hybrid cars and seemed to be unable to recapture energy fully. In other words, I was into the brakes on most stops.
Conclusion: This car does not have a big enough electric motor/battery combo to deliver a satisfying driving experience. While it may save fuel in EV mode, it will do so at the expense of the cars behind it. And, I can't imagine any driving enthusiast spending more than a few minutes in this car.
For a valid comparison, a VW microbus with 46HP engine and a load of surfers is equally fast.
OK, we get it cujet, it's slow in EV mode. What about the rest of the car? The steering is typical of modern cars, it feels acceptable and is reasonably responsive. The seats are very comfortable, and the rear seat leg room seems improved from previous generation Fusions. Still, the rear is a just a bit tight for full sized adults. The interior is typical modern Ford, that is to say, quite nice indeed. Even the stereo sounds great. Fit and finish of the body was excellent, and the trunk still had enough room to be quite practical.
The advantage of the Fusion Energi is the price. A full $10,000 less than a similarly equipped Volt.
