Ford announced official EPA fuel-economy figures for its plug-in hybrid C-MAX Energi, saying that the organization found the vehicle gets a rating of 108 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). This is better than the automaker's previous estimate of 95 MPGe.

Ford estimates savings of $7,000 over the course of five years when compared with the EPA's average new vehicle fuel economy of 23 mpg.

Ford noted specific standard features that contribute to the vehicle’s fuel economy. They include regenerative braking, advanced lithium ion batteries (covered by an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty) and a hybrid transmission that is capable of operating at high speeds efficiently, according to Ford.

Features for drivers include SmartGuage with EcoGuide, which provides customizable displays that can show instantaneous fuel-economy readings and offers “coaching” functions to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency. Another is ECO Cruise mode, a version of cruise control that doesn’t accelerate as quickly.

Ford also offers MyFord Mobile, which will be available for C-MAX Energi in early 2013. This software enables access via a smartphone or via a Web-based interface to monitor the C-MAX Energi’s state of charge and current range, locate charging stations, and plan routes to them.

Ford added that it shared many of the features on the Energi with other vehicles in the automaker’s “electrified” vehicle lineup.

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