Ford’s Fusion Energi and Honda’s Accord plug-in hybrid are both scheduled to go on sale in early 2013. Prices for the three models seem similar, but a closer look reveals some major differences.
The Chevy Volt is about to get some company in the market for plug-in hybrid sedans. Ford’s Fusion Energi and Honda’s Accord plug-in hybrid are both scheduled to go on sale in early 2013. Prices for the three models seem similar, but a closer look reveals some major differences (see table below).
Ford has announced a starting price for the Fusion Energi that’s pretty close to the Volt’s, but note that, while the Volt is eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, the Fusion (like the Accord) has a smaller battery, meaning that it may only qualify for a $3,750 credit. On the other hand, the Fusion has more passenger space – it can seat five, while the placement of the Volt’s battery pack leaves room for only four.
Honda announced pricing for the 2014 Accord plug-in hybrid this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. When it goes on sale on January 15 in California and New York, it will be the priciest vehicle of this trio, but it also offers the best mileage in electric mode, an EPA-certified 115 MPGe, compared to the Volt’s 98 MPGe. Ford has yet to announce a figure, but has promised to crack the 100 mark.
| Starting Price | Electric Range | Combined MPGe (EPA) | |
| Chevrolet Volt | $39,145 | 38 miles | 60 MPGe |
| Ford Fusion Energi | $39,495 | 20 miles | “in the 40s” |
| Honda Accord plug-in hybrid | $39,780 | 13 miles | 46 MPGe |
Are these vehicles really competitors? GM might say not. They don’t refer to the Volt as a plug-in hybrid – they call it an extended range electric vehicle. Thanks to its healthy all-electric range, many drivers find that they can run on electricity most of the time, and Chevy’s ads make it clear that that’s the cool thing to do. PHEV fans who want a lower price and/or more cargo space will want to look at the Ford C-MAX Energi or Toyota’s Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The good news is, car buyers have more electrified options than ever – and more are on the way.
Source: Ford, Honda, InsideEVs, Green Car Reports
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