2017 Ford Fusion Energi: A Detailed Overview
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid sedan that aimed to offer a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and modern technology. Building upon the successful Fusion platform, the Energi variant provided drivers with the ability to travel on electric power alone for a significant portion of their daily commute, while also offering the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The heart of the Fusion Energi is its sophisticated plug-in hybrid system. It pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivers a net output of 188 horsepower. The key advantage of the Energi is its ability to travel an EPA-estimated 22 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine engages. This allows for zero-emission driving for many typical commutes.
- Safety Features: Ford equipped the 2017 Fusion Energi with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to protect occupants and assist the driver. Notable features include:
- Antilock Disc Brakes: Standard on all models, these brakes help prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Traction Control: This system reduces engine power and applies brakes to individual wheels to prevent wheel spin during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Electronic Stability Control: Works in conjunction with traction control to help prevent loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects the vehicle is about to skid.
- Front-Impact Airbags: Standard dual front airbags deploy in a frontal collision to cushion the driver and front passenger.
- Side-Impact Airbags: Standard front and rear side-curtain airbags provide head protection in side-impact collisions.
- Knee Airbags: Standard driver's knee airbag offers additional protection for the driver's legs.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: Available on higher trims, BLIS warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, while Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: Also available, these systems help keep the vehicle within its lane by alerting the driver if they drift unintentionally and can provide gentle steering input to correct the path.
- Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support: Available on select trims, this system can detect potential frontal collisions and warn the driver, and in some cases, can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an accident.
- Trims: The 2017 Fusion Energi was primarily offered in two well-appointed trims:
- Fusion Energi SE: The base trim still offered a generous level of standard equipment, including the plug-in hybrid powertrain, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, Ford's SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- Fusion Energi Titanium: This premium trim elevated the ownership experience with a more upscale interior, including leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a premium Sony audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, and advanced driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist often as standard or part of option packages.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Charging: The Fusion Energi can be charged using a standard 120V outlet (Level 1 charging) or a dedicated 240V outlet (Level 2 charging). Level 2 charging significantly reduces charging time, typically from empty to full in around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Regenerative Braking: The system captures energy normally lost as heat during braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery, further enhancing efficiency.
- Spacious Interior: Despite housing the battery pack, the Fusion Energi offered a relatively spacious and comfortable cabin for five passengers.
- Cargo Space: While the battery pack does intrude on trunk space compared to the gasoline-only Fusion, the Energi still provided a usable amount of cargo volume for everyday needs.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is generally characterized by a smooth and quiet driving experience, especially when operating in electric-only mode. The transition between electric and gasoline power is typically seamless. For drivers with shorter commutes who can charge regularly, the fuel savings can be substantial, leading to significantly reduced trips to the gas station.
Maintenance:
- Hybrid System: The hybrid components, including the battery and electric motor, are generally designed for longevity. However, like all vehicles, regular inspections of the hybrid system by a qualified technician are recommended. Battery degradation over time is a factor to consider for any hybrid, but the 2017 model year typically had good battery life.
- Traditional Maintenance: The gasoline engine requires standard maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations. The regenerative braking system can also help reduce wear on the conventional brake pads.
- Charging Infrastructure: Ensure you have access to a reliable charging solution, whether it's a standard household outlet or the installation of a Level 2 charger, which can be an upfront cost.
Insurance:
- Insurance premiums for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi are generally comparable to other mid-size sedans with similar safety features and technology. Factors that will influence your premium include your driving record, location, chosen coverage levels, and the insurance provider. Hybrid vehicles sometimes have slightly higher insurance rates due to the cost of specialized components, but this is not always the case.
Potential Considerations
- Electric-Only Range: While 22 miles of electric-only range was respectable for its time, newer plug-in hybrids offer significantly longer electric ranges. This means that longer commutes may require more frequent use of the gasoline engine, diminishing the full electric-driving benefit.
- Performance: The 188 horsepower output is adequate for daily driving and merging onto highways, but it's not a performance-oriented vehicle. Enthusiasts seeking brisk acceleration might find it somewhat underpowered.
- Cargo Space Compromise: As mentioned, the battery pack does reduce trunk space compared to non-hybrid Fusion models. This could be a consideration for those who frequently haul large items or require maximum cargo capacity.
- Charging Time: While Level 2 charging is relatively quick, relying solely on a standard 120V outlet for charging will result in significantly longer charging times, potentially overnight or longer, to achieve a full charge.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi presented a compelling option for eco-conscious buyers and those seeking to reduce their fuel costs without sacrificing the practicality of a mid-size sedan. Its plug-in hybrid technology offered the potential for significant electric-only driving, leading to impressive fuel economy. With a comfortable interior, a good array of safety features, and the overall refinement of the Fusion platform, the Energi was a solid choice for daily commuting. However, potential buyers should be aware of its moderate electric-only range and the inherent compromise in cargo space due to the battery.