I drove one of the very first Ford Fusion hybrids a few years ago – and loved it. And that was before the car came in three different models. One option today is the “standard” Fusion. This model gets around 28 mpg overall, and costs around $21,000. Nice, but not enough to be considered “my” green car of the year.

However, the next two options are what make a difference. The Fusion Hybrid achieves 47 mpg, which is terrific compared to most cars on the market. And get this: the Energi model, a plug-in hybrid, is aiming to deliver an estimated 100 mpg. Plus the Energi is still available for a federal tax rebate.

Here’s how the Energi works, according to the Ford website. “The new Fusion Energi …combines a high-voltage battery and electric motor with a gasoline engine. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack provides enough power to operate in all-electric mode for short commutes. Thanks to plug-in capability, you can charge the battery using a 120-volt outlet. Or you can use a 240-volt outlet, upgraded with electric vehicle supply equipment. To lessen any concern you may have about driving range, when the battery is depleted or more power is required, the vehicle functions as a traditional gas-electric hybrid. The Fusion Energi also features a Regenerative Braking System, allowing it to capture kinetic braking energy and store it for later use.”

Earlier this year, I had the chance to interview Dr. Ellen Lee, an engineer and technical expert in plastics research at Ford Motor Company. Dr. Lee has helped develop some of the more eco-friendly materials going in to the Fusion and other Ford vehicles, including seat fabric and cushions made from soy. These “bio-based” innovations have helped Ford reduce its petroleum use by more than 3 million pounds annually while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds.

Ford is also experimenting with using recycled denim from blue jeans and recycled soda bottles in other materials applications in the Fusion.

Here’s this year’s auto show schedule if you want to stop by and take a look at the Fusion, or any of the other hybrids and electric vehicle options you’ll find on display. At the International show in Detroit January 14-27, an “Electric Avenue” will showcase electric vehicles and innovations, both from traditional automakers as well as entrepreneurs.

Related Posts:

Ford Fusion Hybrid: Good Choice for Family Looking for High MPG

Energy-Efficient Fusion Deputs at North American Auto Show

My Test Drive of the All-Electric Nissan Leaf: On a Scale of One to Ten…

Zip Car Comes to the Rescue – And Saves Me a Lot of Money

NOTE: Some Ford Fusions are being recalled due to the 1.6 litre “eco boost” engines overheating. Before you buy a new 2013 Fusion, ask the car dealer if the vehicle you want needs a repair – though chances are, if it hasn’t left the lot yet, it is being sent back to the factory to get this problem taken care of.

The post Ford Fusion Named 2013 “Green Car of the Year” appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Ford’s 2010 Fusion Hybrid delivers the goods:

* It meets my minimum standard for high fuel efficiency for a family car by getting 37 mpg on the highway, 41 in the city, and 39 mpg overall, goals achieved thanks to the car’s gasoline engine boosted by an electric battery.

* It’s roomy enough to seat three adults comfortably in the back, for total seating capacity of 5 overall.

* The in-car GPS system can direct you to the nearest, cheapest gas station or the most direct route, saving you money on gas and reducing the amount of gas you use.

What’s the downside – apart from driving a fossil-fuel burning car at all? It’s expensive, around $28,000 base price and as much as $32,000 for a “fully loaded” car that includes skylights, leather seats, a Sirius radio system, and GPS.

I test drove the vehicle for three days, morning, noon and night, and in the rain. Here’s what I had to say:

Intrigued? Here’s a good explanation of how the Fusion Hybrid technology works.

USA Today compares the Ford Fusion hybrid to its Camry and Nissan Altima counterparts here.

For a cheaper hybrid option, you might want to compare the Fusion to the new Prius and the Honda Civic hybrids.

Want a hybrid minivan? Sign this petition urging Toyota to bring its Sienna hybrid minivan to the U.S.

Don’t forget to check fuel efficiency ratings for all vehicles at fuelefficiency.gov.

These eco-friendly suggestions will help you save money using less gas driving the vehicle you currently have.

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“What’s the most fuel-efficient car I can buy to meet my commuting needs?” That’s the question my father asked recently after he passed his used car on to me and began looking for a small or mid-sized vehicle for himself. We decided to go on the hunt together, with our primary criteria being that the vehicle should be affordable, a hybrid if possible, and highly fuel efficient—achieving an average of at least 40 miles per gallon.

Only three vehicles fit the bill:

HONDA

  Insight:
o MPG: Estimated mileage of 40/43 city/highway, average of 42 mpg
o FUEL ECONOMY: With gas prices around $2.60, the annual fuel cost amounts to around $929. You can make calculations for your own region by finding local fuel prices at GasBuddy.com and using the chart at fueleconomy.gov.
o COST: The Insight EX with navigation (a GPS system) has a ticket price of $23,100. NOTE: Because it’s a brand-new model, dealerships are less willing to negotiate on price.
o SPACE:  Overall smaller interior space than the Civic Hybrid, but as a hatchback, the Insight can fit almost three times as much cargo with the seats folded down, 31.5 cubic feet.

Civic Hybrid:
o MPG: estimated mileage of 40/45 city/highway, estimated average of 42 mpg
o FUEL ECONOMY:  same annual fuel cost as the Insight
o COST: The Civic Hybrid with navigation has a ticket price of $25,650, plus the option of leather seats (unlike the Insight) for an additional $1,200.  We were able to negotiate the price of the Civic Hybrid with navigation and leather to about $22,700.
o SPACE: The interior space is slightly larger than the Insight, but the cargo space is significantly smaller, only 10.4 cubic feet.

TOYOTA

3rd Generation Prius:
o MPG: Delivers the best mileage and power of any hybrid on the road today with an estimated mileage of 51/48 city/highway, estimated average of 50 mpg
o FUEL ECONOMY:  The annual fuel cost is about $780
o COST:  The 2010 Prius with leather and navigation has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of  $28,350. Like with the Honda Insight,  dealerships are less willing to significantly lower the price of this brand-new model.
o SPACE:  The Prius has more interior space than the Civic Hybrid, especially in the backseat, with an inch and half more leg room.  The Prius also beats the Civic Hybrid in cargo space, with 21.6 cubic feet.
o ADDED BONUS:  You can buy the 3rd generation Prius with a solar roof.  Why is that so cool?  The solar roof literally cools the car by using the sun’s energy to power an air circulation fan, eliminating the need for owners to blast their air conditioning in the hot summers.  Unfortunately, the solar roof adds about $1,800 to the ticket price.

After test driving all three vehicles and comparing both fuel efficiency and price, my dad happily settled on the Honda Civic Hybrid (left). He opted for a slightly roomier interior over more cargo space, since he doesn’t need to transport much in his car. Both price and mpg met his critera. Plus, he likes the way it drives. “This car has a lot of pep!” he says.

NOTE: You don’t have to be in the market for a new car to improve fuel efficiency when you drive. Getting a tune up on the vehicle you currently drive will improve fuel efficiency by 4%. Pumping up your tires to the proper PSI (pounds per square inch) will get you another 3.3% improvement in your MPG. Or skip owning a car altogether for “wheels when you want them” via ZipCar. Here are more ways to beat the high price of gas.

Looking for a different car? Check fuel efficiency ratings for all vehicles at fueleconomy.gov.

Interested in a mid-size, highly fuel-efficient family car? Stay tuned for our review of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

The post Comparing Hybrid Cars, the Honda Civic Came Out on Top for My Dad appeared first on Big Green Purse.

When it comes to global warming, burning less gas has always made sense. Now that gasoline costs more than $4.00 a gallon, reducing our consumption at the pump makes “cents,” too. These ten tips offer the fastest, easiest ways you can save gas – and money.

1. Drive smart – Avoid quick starts and stops, use cruise control on the highway, and don’t idle.

2. Drive the speed limit – Remember – every 5 mph you drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

3. Drive less – Walk, bicycle, use a scooter or moped, combine trips, and telecommute.

4. Drive a more fuel-efficient car – Consider one of the new hybrids; at the very least, choose from among the EPA’s “Fuel Economy Leaders” in the class vehicle you’re considering.

5. Keep your engine tuned up – Improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent by maintaining your vehicle in top condition.

6. Carpool – According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 32 million gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if every car carried just one more passenger on its daily commute.

7. Use mass transit and “Ride Share” programs (here and here)- Why pay for gasoline at all?

8. Keep tires properly inflated – Improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Replace worn tires with the same make and model as the originals.

9. Buy the cheapest gas you can find – Buy gas in the morning, from wholesale shopper’s clubs, and using gas-company rebate cards. Track neighborhood prices on the Internet, at GasBuddy.com.

10. Support higher fuel-efficiency standards and the development of alternative fuels – Ultimately, our best hope for beating the gas crisis is to increase fuel efficiency while we transition to renewable and non-petroleum based fuels. Endorse efforts to boost average fuel efficiency to at least 40 mpg. Support programs that promote research and development of alternatives to transportation systems based on oil.

NOTE: For more ways to stop global warming, don’t miss the Green Moms Carnival at OrganicMania.

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