Detroit Auto Show: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi Shown on Monday, Jan. 9: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi. The titular characters in Ford's first standalone hybrid production, each a five-passenger people-mover offered in conventional hybrid and plug-in versions. The C-Max is also the closest thing, Flex crossover notwithstanding, that Ford has to a minivan - a not unhappy development, given the lamentable Freestar, which ended production in 2007. Five years ago, we'd have said "no way." But everyone at Ford, including William Clay Ford Jr. and the chief executive, Alan R. Mulally,, is gung-ho about the automaker's electrification strategy. The C-Max twins will share showrooms with F-Series pickup trucks this fall. What they said: John Davis, chief engineer of the C-Max, said the hybrid would approach 45 miles a gallon in combined driving, beating the E.P.A.-certified 42 m.p.g. of the new Toyota Prius V wagon. The plug-in Energi, which recharges in about 3.5 hours on an optional 240-volt home charger - a 120-volt charger is standard issue - would beat the Chevrolet Volt's miles-per-gallon equivalent of 93 MPGe, he said. The Energi's overall driving range of 500 miles would edge that of the Volt as well. What they didn't say: Ford is copying the Prius playbook, offering a model as a hybrid only and allowing owners to make a clear statement of their green loyalties. That approach carries risks, however, eliminating buyers who might prefer a conventional gas-powered C-Max. A new 2-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine supplies the power for both cars, combining with electric motors to produce 185 total system horsepower for each. The Energi receives a larger battery pack that still is significantly smaller than that in the Volt or Nissan Leaf, capable of powering the Ford for more than 15 miles before the gas engine kicks in to supply motive power. Both models go on sale this fall, initially in major markets on the coasts and Southern states, but Ford won't talk prices until closer to the sale dates. Riding on the Focus compact car platform, with an identical wheelbase, the C-Max mostly avoids the frumpy minivan look in part by using conventional hinged rear doors rather than sliding portals. The grille treatment also recalls other cars that have been brought under the One Ford banner, like the Focus, Fiesta and 2013 Fusion.