With electrified vehicles having been on the road for more than a decade, there are plenty of used choices available for consumers looking for value. As an ongoing series, we’ll look back at various generations of battery electrics, PHEVs and hybrids to give you the information you need to make an educated choice. And check out The Charge’s Browse EVs for Sale page to find what you’re looking for.
Ford introduced the Fusion Energi in 2013 as a plug-in hybrid extension of its stylish family sedan lineup, which was redesigned into its third generation that year. It was one of two hybrid versions of the Fusion, the other being a conventional hybrid without plug-in charging.
The Ford Fusion Energi uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that works with an electric motor to generate 188 hp, which goes to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
2014 Ford Fusion Energi
At its launch, the Fusion Energi promised 32 km of electric driving on a full charge of its battery, and Ford rated the car’s electric energy consumption at 2.7 Le/100 km. By 2019, that estimate had improved to 2.3 Le/100 km, which extended battery range to 42 km.
In 2013, Ford’s gas-electric hybrid fuel consumption estimates were 5.8/6.5 L/100 km (city/highway); a 2017 update – which also brought revised styling – improved those figures to 5.5/5.7 L/100 km.
Used pricing
Carfax Canada doesn’t have pricing data specific to older versions of the Fusion Energi; its values for the conventional 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE start at $8,214. A 2017 Fusion Energi is worth an estimated $16,710, and a loaded 2020 Energi Titanium goes for $31,399.
2013 Ford Fusion Energi
Trim levels and features
In 2013, Ford offered the Fusion Energi in SE Luxury and Titanium trim levels. SE included power/heated front seats, six-speaker stereo, alloy wheels, an auto-dimming mirror, and fog lights. Titanium added leather upholstery, upgraded audio, chrome exterior trim, and backup sensors.
In 2017, the SE gained passive keyless entry, 11-speaker audio, and LED headlights.
For its final year, the 2020 Fusion Energi came standard in SEL trim with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation. Also included were rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise, Sync 3 infotainment, and satellite radio. By this time, Titanium’s additions included ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, LED fog lights, and a sunroof.
2019 Ford Fusion
Get the 12-volt battery tested
All cars, even BEVs, PHEVs and regular hybrids, have a conventional 12-volt battery like the one that starts the engine in a combustion-powered car. And in the Fusion Energi – as with so many modern cars with complicated electrical systems – that battery is a common source of trouble. Many owners say their cars’ 12-volt batteries go flat every few weeks, leaving them in need of a boost; the car uses this smaller battery to “boot up” the electronics that control the hybrid drive system.
Battery degradation
Some Fusion Energi owners report losing electric driving range as their cars age. However, it’s not clear whether the reported rate of battery capacity loss in those cases is outside of what might be considered normal for these cars. Here’s our suggestion: if possible, charge the battery to full during your test drive and see how many kilometres of EV driving the car promises. If it’s way below Ford’s estimate for the car when it was new, consider getting the battery tested by a Ford dealer.
2019 Ford Fusion
The ‘flashing ring of death’
If a Fusion Energi won’t charge, and the LED ring around the charge port flashes – dubbed by one owner as the “flashing ring of death” – the fix may be as simple as a software update that can be done by a Ford dealer service department.
Electric driving quirks
There are conditions under which the Fusion Energi will not run in electric mode even with a fully charged battery.
In one scenario, extremely high ambient temperatures can force the engine to help drive the car to avoid overheating the battery.
Also, if you rarely exceed the battery’s electric range between charges, the engine will run periodically in a maintenance setting that keeps the gas and engine oil from going stale.
Here’s a discussion about how cold weather affects the Fusion Energi’s electric performance.
2020 Fusion Energi
Watch for trouble codes
If a Fusion Energi flashes an orange wrench-shaped icon in the gauge display, that’s a sign of trouble with the car’s powertrain. While you shouldn’t ignore this light, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to panic. In the case of a Fusion Energi driver in this discussion, the car was indicating that its auxiliary electric heater had failed. In any event, when the light comes on, the car should store diagnostic codes that a Ford dealer can read to determine which component is triggering the warning light.
2017 Fusion Energi
Recalls
Between 2013 and 2020, the Ford Fusion – every model, including the gas-engine version, Energi and hybrid – had a litany of recalls from Transport Canada, ranging from seat belts to instruments to steering, found here. Some may not affect the Energi model, but it’s best to make sure all recalls have been dealt with before buying.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Energi a five-star Overall Vehicle Score. The 2013 Ford Fusion was also named Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
