EPA weakens annual fuel economy standard increase to 1.5 percent

While coverage of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate headlines, the Trump administration has quietly weakened the country's fuel economy standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental P...

The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid delivers towing power and 500 miles per tank

If you're seeking a green SUV, the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid is a viable option -- as long as you don't opt for the four-wheel drive model. The EPA released fuel economy estimates for Ford's latest hybrid model which indicate that the rear-wheel driv...

Ford hybrid software update will improve gas mileage, arrives in August

DNP Ford hybrid getting firmware update to meet advertised fuel economy

Apparently the window stickers of Ford's hybrid line didn't tell the whole story when it came to gas mileage. After a series of class-action lawsuits regarding fuel usage estimates and Consumer Reports noticing the vast disparity between what was advertised and what was possible, the blue oval company is finally paying the piper. To make it right, the Dearborn automaker is offering a free software update for C-MAX, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models starting this August. There are a slew of fixes beyond supposedly better fuel efficiency, but perhaps the most dramatic is an increase in electric-only top speed. After the patch, the gas motor kicks in when the power plant reaches 85MPH, instead of the previous 62MPH threshold. No, your 88MPH joke won't work here, so don't even try it.

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Source: Reuters

Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they pay to charge, goads them into staying green (video)

Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they're paying to charge video

GM's OnStar team would really like us to stay on the electric side of the Chevy Volt's powertrain as much as possible. That's the selling point, after all. Rather than simply preach green driving and hope for the best, the division is testing a new EcoHub app that reminds Volt drivers just how miserly their plug-in hybrids can be. Qualifying owners who opt in or subscribe to OnStar have the Volt's energy usage costs compared to their home's total electricity bill, showing how much cheaper it can be to avoid the gas pump. There's more if money isn't enough of a motivator -- the app also builds in a counter that estimates how much gas Volt drivers are saving nationwide. The eco-friendly ego boost is currently limited to Android users participating in Pecan Street's smart grid project in Austin, but long-term plans have the app reaching iOS and all Volt fans eager to justify their ride.

Continue reading Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they pay to charge, goads them into staying green (video)

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Chevy Volt EcoHub app tells drivers how little they pay to charge, goads them into staying green (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 23:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford C-MAX Hybrid rated for 47MPG across the board, C-MAX Energi hits 85MPH in EV mode

Ford CMAX Hybrid rated for 47MPG on city and highway alike, CMAX Energi hits 85MPH in EV mode

The wait for the Ford C-MAX Hybrid has been a long one, and we'll still be waiting until the fall before the driving public takes a set of keys. In the meantime, there's good news from the EPA for travelers wondering just how far that hybrid MPV will go on its combined power. It should be quite the distance: the now-confirmed fuel economy rating is an even 47MPG, whether it's for putting around the city or cruising the highway. Ford is more than eager to crow about the figures giving its $25,995 ride an edge over Toyota, whose slightly more expensive Prius V peaks at 44MPG on highway stretches and dips to 40MPG in urban areas. The early victory parade is continuing with the C-MAX Energi, too -- the plug-in hybrid variant can peak at a brisk 85MPH in pure EV driving, or more than 20MPH faster than either the regular Hybrid or a Prius plug-in. Toyota does have the slightly important advantage of having a vehicle on the market. Those who have yet to commit to a hybrid family hauler, though, will be glad to know their patience could earn them some extra efficiency or speed.

Continue reading Ford C-MAX Hybrid rated for 47MPG across the board, C-MAX Energi hits 85MPH in EV mode

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Ford C-MAX Hybrid rated for 47MPG across the board, C-MAX Energi hits 85MPH in EV mode originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 03:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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