Changing my opinion on Energi models

[Brian Adams]

My second post since joining. Finally went to a Ford dealer today. Figured it was time I at least SAT inside a Fusion Hybrid since I'd been web-shopping so long. He had a "just in" 2020 Energi Titanium with 22,XXX miles in Red. Very red! With the "Russet" color interior. I had skipped over all plug-in varieties because I felt it was dumb to act like a tree-hugging, planet lover while charging your EV from a coal-fired plant! The salesman informed me that I would NEVER have to do that. I suppose all of u know that those batteries recharge thru normal driving/braking like they do in the regular hybrid. I didn't. Not sure how I formed my inaccurate opinion. So I'm revisiting the shopping process again and feel like I should actually be focusing on the 2020 Energi models. Seems like just about all of them are Titaniums - which is what I think I want. I've read quite a few reviews and some buyers aren't getting the promised 26 miles on pure electric power. No big deal. I'm feeling that the whole plug-in thing is a stand-by thing. Something to have if the whole gasoline economy really goes down the tubes.

 

Anything I'm missing?

 

 

[Cobra348]

Check your trunk space - it is less than the Fusion Hybrid (non-plugin) because the battery is so huge.  Essentially where there is a passthru over the FFH battery, there is none in the FFE.  My brother checked one a couple years ago and determined having his hybrid was the right step.

[dogo88]

I had a 2010, initial series FFH and loved it. Cheapest car to own I have ever had. Traded it in on a 2019 FFH Titanium and love it more, because there were so many upgrades from the 2010. When I was shopping I too looked at the the plug in and the hybrid. As Larry pointed out, the trunk in the FFH is useable. The cubby hole in the plugin holds almost nothing. So you'll be forced to use the back seat for large items. 

For the best mileage in the Energi you'll need to plug it in daily. With the FFH you just gas up and go. My onboard computer indicates I've gotten 46.3 mpg average on the current odometer reading of 33k. On trips if I take it easy and not race around I can get over 50 mpg. More than satisfied with the mileage. And no plug in to do. I suppose if you have the Energi and religiously plug it in and only do short trips you can go without gas. And mileage will be way better. So there is a trade off. 

Again, my 2019 FFH is the lowest maintenance cost vehicle I've owned since the 2010 FFH. After 3 1/2 years it's only been yearly "The Works" at Ford dealer. Oil and filter change, tire rotation for $50. 

 

Dan 

[Waldo]

As mentioned the biggest consideration is the trunk space.  I couldn't get by with the Energi trunk, so I got an FFH instead.  

 

But if you're not going to regularly plug it in, there is no point to get the Energi.  Everytime you drive an Energi around using the gas engine, you're burning extra fuel to carry around the significant weight of the battery that you aren't using.  Even a coal fired electric plant is more efficient than a small internal combustion engine, so if you get an Energi, plan to plug it in every day.

 

Another point, Ford went through a LOT of cost cutting at the end of the Fusion run.  If you can find a nice 2018, it will probably be a better buy in the long run than a 2020.

Edited August 22, 2022 by Waldo

[Cobra348]

I agree with Waldo on the last-run cost cutting.  Example:  The FFH (and FFE) models had a door badge announcing Hybrid - in case trunk got smashed and first responders needed to know.  The '20 models - FFH and FFE do not have it.  Costs $100 to get them put on.  I know the '18s have it, not sure on '19s.  I do know '20 FFE does not have them ... there's one in town I see periodically.

 

Intelligent access ribs are not present on the rear doors, so you need the fob or front door to unlock the back ones instead of just hand pressure.

 

There's more I'm sure but these are off the top of my head.

Edited August 22, 2022 by Cobra348

[Brian Adams]

Thanks to those who replied. 

 

I am aware of the small trunk space but this is not an issue for a single, retired guy like me.  If I sell my sports car (on the agenda) I'll have room in my garage for the car and easy access to an outlet. While I was originally thinking I'd ignore the whole charge-the-batteries thing, I can see myself doing it now. At least some of the time. In my part of Philly, just about everything is less than a 5 mile round-trip - take-out food, groceries, post office, etc.  

 

I have a test drive scheduled for tomorrow for a 2020 model. Only 15,xxx miles, reasonable price, optional white paint and sunroof. I reviewed Ford's warranty and there is plenty of time/miles left. Will be calling my insurance agent today to see what full coverage will cost. I've been in cheapo cars so long that I had Liability only. Hope it's not too much. 

 

If any of you know of things that I might hear, or feel, or other such things that might indicate there is a problem with the car and that I should keep looking, please let me know. Thanks 

[Chad]

Brian get the car. I just got my 2019 Ford Fusion Energi in March 2022 and I have only filled up with gas 3 times. Just make sure you always have it plugged in when you can. It only added about $10 a month to my electricity bill. I have saved 100's if not 1000's in gas already. Car is solid. Feel more like a BMW. For piece of mind I bought a extended warranty so my car is good for the many years I plan on driving it. Hope this helps. 

[MeeLee]

One thing on the energi, if you drive it regularly, you won't ever need to change the batteries. The energi has an 80hp electric motor, while the ffh has a 40hp electric motor.

The FFH has lots of people complaining on reduced range (and mpg) past 100k miles.

The battery on the energi, will probably last you 400k miles easily. The FFH only half that, and will cost a lot to replace the battery.

In the end the energi makes more sense (financially), if you plan to drive it a lot (like 500k miles in 5 to 10 years).

Edited October 9, 2022 by MeeLee

[Sky14FFH]

On 8/20/2022 at 8:20 PM, Brian Adams said:

I had skipped over all plug-in varieties because I felt it was dumb to act like a tree-hugging, planet lover while charging your EV from a coal-fired plant!

My guy. It's not JUST about treehugging.  It's about PERSONAL energy security.  You see, when gas prices go crazy you can just use electricity.  You're not dependent like everyone else driving around the roads.  It's kinda known as being off grid, or semi-autonomous, what we'd all like to work for eventually.  Ideally back in the day I wanted a VW TDI wagon I could make my own fuel from waste fry oil so I wouldn't have to pay The Man a dime and I could carry enough fuel in the back to go on a cross country trip without ever stopping at a station.  It's also 80% cleaner than regular diesel and carbon neutral.  Besides in 10 years we're all going to be on wind and solar, the smartest of us on our own homes. 

 

Exactically >>>>

On 8/20/2022 at 8:20 PM, Brian Adams said:

I'm feeling that the whole plug-in thing is a stand-by thing. Something to have if the whole gasoline economy really goes down the tubes

Edited November 26, 2022 by Sky14FFH

[Sky14FFH]

On 8/20/2022 at 9:29 PM, Cobra348 said:

Check your trunk space - it is less than the Fusion Hybrid (non-plugin) because the battery is so huge.  Essentially where there is a passthru over the FFH battery, there is none in the FFE.  My brother checked one a couple years ago and determined having his hybrid was the right step.

Yeah that's a problem even with the regular hybrid IMHO.  They should be like the Priuses integrated into the trunk bed but also be hatchbacks like the Mondeos so you can grab a snooze back there on  along trip.  I was able to get two bikes in the back once but it was a pain.

[GREG in WNC]

You are missing everything useful about the Energi.  The 26 miles means NOTHING.  I use the special button to change from battery to gas, all the time.  Doing the math in my head is fun.  What do I get out of it.  I live in them mountains with tons of curvy roads.  Once you learn your terrain and driving needs you are in for a treat.  Results, after 200,000 miles my odo show that I did 100,000 on electric ALONE.  What does that mean.  Average MPG in the first 100K yiekded me 68 MPG.  Yes. 68.  Even when the battery was old at 180K I could get 56 BECAUSE AS I SAID BEFORE.  I CHOSE to CHOOSE ....!

 

On range, I can use those buttons and drive 100 miles to charlotte and still get 70 MPG.  Have lunch, charge and do it coming back.  BTW the best tank I ever did was 84 MPG.  And none of this was slow.  Going slow is the worst thing you can do.  Many drivers complian about gas mileage.  The should, they are stab it and stear it drivers who want miracles.  You buy a car to drive so DRIVE it!  These are the guys I love cause their batteries are hardly stressed.  I bought my replacement for $700 at 200K.  

 

And yes in that time I saved (GET THIS) $ 14,000 in fuel.

 

EVEN MORE FUN is having that 500 pound battery in the back makes it handle like a race car. Be aggressive, take chances and have more fun. And yes, there is a pass through in the boot. I can put 10' 2x4s in there.