Introduced in 2013, the Fusion Energi was introduced alongside the C-Max Energi as part of Ford’s electrification plan that included the Focus Electric and standard full-hybrid models of the Fusion and C-Max. Over the years, the battery size grew from 7.6 kilowatt-hours to 9 kWh. The bigger battery, which arrived in the 2019 model year, boosted the MPGe rating over 100 miles while extending the overall combined driving range to 610 miles on a single charge plus a full tank of gas.

For the first 26 or so miles, the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is rated at 103 miles-per-gallon equivalent—a feat for a sizable family vehicle. After the energy in the Fusion Energi’s 9 kilowatt-hour battery pack is depleted, it works like a conventional hybrid—using a combination of electricity and gasoline. In hybrid mode, the Environmental Protection Agency rates the Fusion Energi at 42 mpg. 

That’s a lot of distance to cover on a road trip without having to stop to fill up at the pumps. And when back home, drivers can rely on a home charging station—like the JuiceBox 32—to provide most of the required energy for a typical daily commute.

When the Fusion Energi was introduced in 2013, it went about 21 miles purely on electricity. During that time, the Fusion was the only affordable plug-in sedan (versus hatch) that offered 20-plus miles of all-electric range. The Fusion Energi checked off a lot of boxes: an attractive price, handsome looks, generous legroom in both rows and stellar efficiency for a model of its size.

The same desirable attributes have been sustained through 2020. Notably, the current generation of the Fusion Energi, starting in 2019, boosted its all electric range to 26 miles—thanks to the larger 9 kWh battery pack.

While the Fusion Energi’s relatively small battery doesn’t provide as much all-electric range as some of the competition, it’s an advantage to be able to fully charge in only a couple of hours. That’s an argument for installing a charging station both at home and work—topping up throughout the day to reduce using gasoline.