Three Reasons to Drive a Ford Hybrid or Electric Cars

One of the most obvious ways one can go greener is to buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Apart from doing your bit for the environment, such vehicles will also save you on gas. If you're in the market for a green vehicle, the new and exciting 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is a very viable option. Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly features this plug-in hybrid offers. SmartGauge With EcoGuide This system, which functions with dual LCD screens, provides you with real-time information in regard to your driving, in order to assist you in using your Fusion Energi as efficiently as possible. It enables you to monitor powertrain operations, such as hybrid and electric drives, gas engine, and fuel economy, as well as maximize efficiency by, for instance, accessing the Brake Coach screen. If you're driving at optimal efficiency, you will see leaves and vines growing on the right-side display screen. more On the left-side display, you will find the Engage and Empower modes. The Engage mode will show you gauges for engine and lithium-ion battery power, while the Empower mode will inform you about how much power you are using, based on the accelerator pedal, and how far you are from the gasoline engine on/off threshold. Improved Battery The 2019 Fusion Energy boasts a new, bigger battery with an increased electric range. While the previous battery was able to store 7 kWh and had a range of 21 miles, the new battery is able to store 9 kWh and provide a range of up to 25 electric miles. Driving Modes To help you drive as efficiently as possible, the Ford Fusion Energi offers three different driving modes, allowing you to select gas, electric, or a combination of the two. The EV Now mode utilizes primarily plug-in power, while the EV Later mode saves plug-in power for later use. With the Auto EV mode, your Energi will switch between plug-in power and gas engine as needed. To assist you in monitoring your battery's charge, and to also schedule charging, you can use the convenient MyFord Mobile application or visit the myfordmobile.com website. Regenerative Braking In a normal vehicle, a lot of kinetic energy is lost because of friction while braking. But the Energi provides efficient regenerative braking, which saves up to 94 percent of this energy and returns it to the battery to use later. Apart from all its eco-friendly features, the 2019 Fusion Energi comes with the impressive Ford Co-Pilot360 package, which is a suite consisting of the latest driver-assist systems, and also offers an attractive exterior and comfortable and convenient cabin. If you want to take the 2019 Fusion Energi for a drive, pop in to see us at Chestatee Ford. Image by mariordo59 via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2019 Ford Flex is a full-size sports utility vehicle that packs the nimble agility and flexibility of a compact car or midsize sedan. It also comes in three trim levels, so finding the right trim for your lifestyle shouldn't be a hassle. With plenty of performance perks and modern touches in tow, here's how the 2019 Ford Flex aims to impress. Exterior Design The SE, SEL, and Limited trims all boast a sleek and refined body style. For one, you get signature Flex badging on the hood, a monochromatic (or body-color) roof, and Bright dual exhaust tips. Amenities meant to improve utility include a reverse sensing system, intermittent speed-sensitive front windshield wipers, and a rear-window defroster with two-speed wiper and washer. Want an even more decked-out exterior? You can add optional accessories such as power-folding heated mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, a Multipanel Vista Roof, and a power liftgate to your final vehicle package. more Performance The 2019 Ford Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine. It's capable of producing 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Available for the Limited trim is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that gets 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both units pack a similar six-speed automatic transmission under the hood. You might be wondering what else gives the Ford Flex its excellent handling on the road. That would be its electric power-assisted steering, its independent front and rear suspension system, and its AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control) feature. It's also offered as a four-wheel-drive model but can be customized with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in the SEL and Limited. Interior There's plenty of room for friends and family inside this full-size vehicle. In fact, it seats up to seven and offers second- and third-row bench seats that are easily adjustable to suit your passenger and cargo needs. Other practical amenities include a rear climate-control system, solar-tinted glass, and cargo area-mounted grocery bag hooks. Want even more? Consider adding an available wood-accented steering wheel with memory functions, heated and cooled front seats, and all-weather floor mats to the list. If you have the budget, Ford has the perfect accessories for any road trip. Technology Speaking of road trips, none would be as enjoyable without a modern multimedia hub and tech layout. Fortunately, the all-new Ford Flex has the upgrades you want. Consider adding a 12-speaker Sony audio system with cutting-edge sound quality; a navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link for up-to-date weather conditions; and a SYNC 3 infotainment system with a touch screen, voice command, and smartphone integration to your tech blueprint. Safety There's nothing quite like a vehicle backed with top-notch safety systems to put your mind at ease. The 2019 Ford Flex meets these demands thanks to its front seat-mounted sideairbagss, perimeter anti-theft alarm, and child safety rear door locks. Have a bit of wiggle room in your budget? Features such as inflatable second-row outboard safety belts and collision warning with brake support are optional. Are you in the market for a full-size sports utility vehicle with agile precision and sporty flair? The 2019 Ford Flex is waiting for a test drive!   Image via Ford.com

For 2018, Ford introduced the new EcoSport to their crossover SUV lineup. This subcompact SUV sits below the Escape and offers drivers a small turning radius and a spirited ride. Ford based the EcoSport on the Fiesta, which is no longer available, and this little vehicle is the little engine that could. Here are some details about the 2018 Ford EcoSport. The Exterior The Ecosport comes in four different trim levels. These start with the S which has 16-inch alloy wheels and power accessories. Just a step up, the SE adds LED running lights and roof rails along with rear privacy glass, and it also gets a sunroof. The SES is the sporty model and comes with 17-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. This trim also adds black exterior trim elements and automatic windshield wipers. At the top of the lineup, the Titanium trim adds 17-inch wheels to the SE, and it also comes with body-colored front and rear bumpers. The EcoSport has a side-hinged rear door that swings open for easy access to the back, and its tall stance makes it easy to get in and out. more The Engine All the trims except for the SES get a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that generates 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The SES comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder which is also an available option for the other three trims. This engine produces 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. You'll get a six-speed automatic transmission no matter which engine you choose. The Technology While the entry-level S trim comes modestly equipped with technology, just a step up to the SE will get you some added equipment such as a 6.5-inch touch-screen display and the Sync 3 infotainment system. Add the Convenience package, and the touch screen is even larger and it adds a seven-speaker stereo system along with a 110-volt power outlet. The Titanium trim upgrades the technology again with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and HD radio. Safety The Ford EcoSport comes standard with a rearview camera, and if you choose the SE, it adds rear parking sensors. The SE with the Convenience Package adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Convenience Package comes standard on both the SES and the Titanium. The Interior Inside, this little compact has comfortable seats with a height-adjustable feature in the front. In the back, there are 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and with a 60/40 split, it's easy to customize the amount of passenger and cargo space. Fold both the seat backs down and it opens up some extra room. Ford also offers the Cold Weather package for all trims except the S, and this adds a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and a keyless entry pad along with remote engine start. The 2018 Ford EcoSport is the little engine that could. Its small size and peppy engine make it a great choice for urban driving, and it has just the right amount of space for zipping around town.   Photo via Ford.com