EPA and Fusion/C-Max News

[fusionTX]

http://www.behindthewheel.com.au/2013/01/15/epa-rejects-ford-mileage-request/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=epa-rejects-ford-mileage-request

[HenryVIII]

Link isn't working.

[hermans]

Worked for me.

[coach81]

Thx for the article.. not sure about "most owners" being happy with their mileage. I have yet to empty my first tank, and although so far I think I'm doing pretty well, and I am satisfied.. several other owners on this forum have had very poor experiences with it..

 

Time will tell.

[HenryVIII]

Could someone please copy and paste the article for me? I tried 2 browsers and neither come up. Might be something at work blocking it.

[jeff_h]

Here is the article pasted in, which unfortunately messes up the formatting a bit.

 

EPA rejects Ford mileage request US agency says contentious testing methods for hybrids will stay.

There has been another development in the dispute between Ford and US authorities over estimated fuel consumption figures, with the testing authority declining a request to change their testing methods.

Consumer Reports found the Ford C-Max was 10 mpg off the EPA data.

The accuracy of Environmental Protection Agency fuel consumption testing was raised in November when Hyundai and Kia admitted they had provided consumers with mileage estimates that weren’t accurate.

Subsequent real world testing of a number of models by consumer agency Consumer Reports found many models fell short of the EPA’s fuel consumption predictions.

Two Ford models, the C-Max and Fusion hybrids fared the worst in testing and Ford has subsequently called on the EPA to rethink the way they test hybrids.

Ford believes the testing method used by the agency doesn’t take into account the speed differences at which different hybrid models can run purely on battery power, for example the Fusion hybrid switches over at 100km/h, which is higher than most other hybrids.

They say this gives some hybrids an advantage over others.

But Chris Grundler, who heads the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, says they won’t be changing their methods.

“I am very confident that the sticker is sound, but I am also committed to keeping up with technology,”

“The integrity of that sticker is very, very important.”

He added that overall drivers are mostly satisfied with their real-world mileage.

We will continue to monitor the story.

www.behindthewheel.com.au (http://s.tt/1ysta)

Edited January 16, 2013 by jeff_h

[HenryVIII]

Thanks jeff_h. I think the EPA wants to keep a standard and consistency across any and all vehicles. Makes sense IMO. Solidifies Ford's testing if the review comes back clean.

[GrySql]

We have a cross section of hybrid owners on this forum, some get very close to the EPA rating, others not so much.

It has been expressed that if your particular vehicle was running the exact same fuel (100% gas), ambient temp and break-in parameters as the EPA test mules that you too might get the rated mpg.

I happen to think that is very possible, for most of our cars.

 

What concerns some of us is why the big difference in mpg of this forums members?

Is it the additional accessories, the wheel size, type of OEM tire, winter temps, terrain, type of road base material, ethanol % in our blended fuel, etc, etc - a real puzzle.

Then there is the complicated, first year, Ford designed eCVT.

Getting a 3600 pound car to provide 47mpg is quite an accomplishment and the car is a technological marvel.

Little things that aren't working in a coordinated, nominal fashion can make a big difference in mpg.

 

This is a first year, purpose built vehicle and there is the possibility of teething problems, I knew that when I decided to purchase it.

In my case, I am loving the the beast and as long as it is reliable I am going to let it break-in, change the oil/filter at 5k miles and find the joy.

[acdii]

From what I can tell so far, based on the EPA test, yes the Fusion and Cmax will get 47 MPG. Based on Real World driving however, very few will ever actually see 47 Highway, most will not. Main reason is the average speed at which the test is done is 48 MPH, which my 2010 Fusion gets 45MPG at. The one thing that is going to be a big problem are when more of these are on the road and the real highway figures come in. When you go over 63 MPH and run on pure ICE, these little motors wont do as well as the 2.5 does.

 

What the EPA does need to do is factor in a higher average highway speed to account for the 65-80 MPH speed limits across most of the country now, the EPA tests are really for non interstate speeds. maybe they need City/Highway/Interstate/Combined numbers.

[terryb]

If I didn't love the feds SO MUCH, I'd say that what the EPA is saying is,' We are specifying a standard test for automobile mileage. You should not be surprised that your mileage is different, because we've already told you that your mileage may vary so get over it.'

[fusionTX]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130114/AUTO04/301140402