GRA said:
Thanks for the links. I'm quite impressed and could see this for myself. Whether to go with the HEV or PHEV versions depends on my estimate of how quickly gas prices increase and the price difference, although realistically it's unlikely that the PHEV will make up the difference in its lifetime.
Neither makes any sense on a strict cost basis compared to keeping my current car, a 2003 Forester that I paid cash for, which has less than 59,000 miles on it and is in excellent shape. Although the C-Max Hybrid is rated at almost twice the highway mileage (47 versus 25*), I can buy an awful lot of gas for $26k + tax/license etc. On a GHG basis, it would take many years for the better gas mileage to offset the GHGs involved in building a new car, so I probably can't justify it that way either. No mention of whether there's a spare or not, which is a requirement for me. Judging by the humped up storage space there isn't one stored under the rear cargo area, at least not internally.
Nevertheless, I'll definitely check both out when they're available, cause these cars can (probably) meet my needs. I'd probably want to put some better tires on them, though, and give up a couple mpg.
*This is the value when corrected to 2008 test conditions. Under the test conditions in effect in 2003, it is rated 27 mpg highway.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2012/0726/Ford-C-Max-Energi-cheapest-plug-in-hybrid-yet-after-rebate" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dalebuss/2012/07/29/terminal-velocity-ford-c-max-energi-to-vie-with-volt-prius/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent): Volt 98, Prius PHV, 95, Energi 95.
Starting sticker price: Volt, $39,145; Prius PHV, $32,760; Energi, $33,750.
U.S.-government tax credit: Volt, $7,500; Prius PHV, $2,500; Energi, $3,750.
Net price after credit: Volt $31,645; Prius PHV, $30,260; Energi, $29,995.
Electric-only range: Volt, about 38 miles; Prius PHV; about 15 miles; Energi, about 20 miles.
Range including gasoline engine: Volt, about 400; Prius PHV; 540 miles; Energi, 550 miles.
And, it seats 3 in the back seat unlike the Volt. Bigger trunk space than the Leaf. It qualifies for CA carpool lanes; it will also qualify for an additional $1,500 CA state rebate. Just under $30k.
I think it's a winner! ;-)