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If the first 15 years of the new millennium are any indication, then saving the planet through the reduction of carbon emissions is here to stay. So, how can you help battle pollution? By purchasing a super-efficient hybrid for your next vehicle. Luckily, Ford has a number of models for you to travel in style, while still adhering to your eco-friendly promise. Here's just a few Ford hybrids and electrics for your consideration. Focus Electric The Focus Electric is the perfect car for reducing your carbon footprint, while traveling with a seemingly plush interior. From a purely mechanical standpoint, the Focus runs on a 107 kilowatt permanent magnet electric traction motor. That might sound like jibberish but actually means that it's capable of carrying you 99 miles per gallon on the highway and 110 in the city. It also has a dashboard readout that gives you a heads-up of your driving efficiency, as well a Brake Coach, which saves energy when braking. On the inside, it features leather, an infotainment system, and a nine-speaker stereo system, all of which make you feel like you're in a normal gas-powered car. Fusion Hybrid SE Many rankings from reputable sources name the Fusion Hybrid as one of the top three hybrids on the market today. For starters, it has an amazingly attractive asking price in comparison to any car in its class. It uses a special hybrid engine that includes a 2.0 liter, inline four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 188 horsepower, while also giving you 44 miles per gallon highway and 41 miles per gallon in the city. If you couple that with its attractive looks, then the Fusion Hybrid SE is definitely a winner. C-Max Hybrid Sometimes smaller means better. That's the philosophy of the C-Max Hybrid, which is a small hatchback, yet still with ample room for five adults. Inside its humble body, you'll find a ton of options including climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, two 12-volt outlets, and a six speaker audio system. Under the hood, the C-Max has a 2.0 liter hybrid engine with a 1.4 kilowatt battery that will take you up 42 miles per gallon highway and 37 miles per gallon city. However, the magic component is the C-Max's Smartgauge with Ecoguide, which is the intermediary between the drive and engine. Essentially, it lets you know how well you're utilizing the car for energy-efficient purposes, so you can change your driving habits on the fly. Fusion Energi SE The other great Fusion option is the plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi SE. It has many of the same features as the regular hybrid, but with one added feature: it allows you to plug it in and go only on battery power. If you choose this feature, the battery takes seven hours to charge, but can go 21 miles, which is perfect for saving money and running short errands around town. There's no doubt that hybrids and electrics are man's latest and greatest step to curbing air pollution. So, the choice is yours. Are you going to become an innovator or a laggard?

Long lauded as an affordable brand, Ford manufactures cars and trucks designed to fit drivers from every walk of life. A glance at passing traffic on any given day yields a full spectrum of Ford automobiles: the first-time driver in a durable sedan; the rambunctious family of six sitting comfortably in an SUV; and the working man in his pickup truck with all his tools in the bed. Whether you need to keep it under $20,000 or you're able to go up a little higher, there's no doubt that a Ford can match your style, needs, and budget. Ford F-150 XLT The Ford F-150 is a mainstay in the country and the city, driven by working Joes, busy moms, and college kids. Its price is one reason for its popularity – go for the regular cab, and it's possible to get this truck for less than $35,000. The extended cab and selected trim options increase the price but not enough to put it out of reach. The possible trims, colors, and sizes available make it versatile, as does a 4x4 option. It's an economical choice fuel-wise as well, with an estimated EPA of 18 mpg city* and 25 mpg highway*. C-Max Hybrid SE Wagon Ford offers an increasing number of affordable hybrid and electric models. Even newer C-Max models are well within reach, typically going for under $30,000. The roomy wagon is ideal for medium-size families or anyone who needs a decent amount of space. Its real draw, however, is its environmentally friendly fuel economy. The front-wheel drive hybrid, with its 2.0-liter engine and impressive 188 horsepower, has a city rating of 42 mpg* and a highway rating of 37 mpg*. Ford Fusion S The newest Ford Fusion models are as affordable as older years, falling well under $25,000 at base level. This car is always a good bet, thanks to both its reputation for fuel economy and its versatility – you have the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a full hybrid powertrain, or a gas-powered engine. With an estimated EPA of 22 mpg in the city*, the Fusion is a solid car for simply getting around. It really shines on the highway, where it averages 34 mpg*. Ford Focus SE A bit smaller than the Fusion, the Focus is a powerful little car with loads of standard features, including an abundance of airbags that increase its safety. It gets slightly better gas mileage than the Fusion as well, with an average of 26 mpg on city roads* and 36 mpg on the highway*. In many ways, its price is just the icing on the cake, but consider it the tastiest icing ever because the Focus usually starts out under $20,000. Considering the sedan easily seats five and boasts a 2.0-liter engine, it's a worthwhile investment. For dependability, durability, and safety, Ford vehicles make sense. Add affordability into the mix and it's hard to say “no” to the idea of climbing behind the wheel. With a selection that includes trucks, SUVs, minivans, and hybrids, it seems like there's a Ford to fit every driver. *Based on 2015 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

Lance Cunningham Ford offers a wide range of vehicles for our loyal customers in greater Knoxville, including the outlying communities of Maryville and Oak Ridge. We present cars, trucks, cargo vans, and SUVs that meet the quality and driving needs of Lance Cunningham Ford customers. In addition, our seasoned sales processionals describe our hybrid car selections that include the C-Max and Ford Fusion hybrid models. Why You Should Consider Owning a Ford Hybrid In Tennessee At the turn of the new millennium, hybrid cars barely made a dent in overall vehicle sales. Now, hybrid cars represent the fastest growing segment in the automotive industry. Although hybrid cars typically cost more than standard gas powered cars, the benefits of owning a hybrid far outweigh the sticker price. Ford Electric Vehicles: Features Overview Video Reduced Fuel Costs Lance Cunningham Ford customers who make the long commute from Oak Ridge and Maryville to downtown Knoxville understand how rising gasoline prices take a huge chunk out of family budgets. However, the 2014 Ford Fusion gets an astounding 37 miles per gallon on the highway and the 2014 C-Max garners an incredible 42 miles per gallon on Knoxville city streets. With average hybrid fuel costs running near $1,400, hybrid owners save hundreds of dollars annually by owning hybrid vehicles. After a few years, the fuel savings eventually make up for the higher hybrid sticker price. Lower Car Insurance Another factor that helps our Knoxville customers recoup the money spent on higher priced hybrids involves car insurance costs. Many car insurance companies offer discounts on car insurance for simply buying a hybrid vehicle. Car insurance companies such as Travelers have create hybrid car insurance divisions that provide hybrid discounts up to 10 percent on monthly insurance rates. Remember that a hybrid discount does not include discounts for good driving and other common car insurance discounts. Going Green With carbon emissions considered one of the leading causes of ozone depletion, owning a Ford hybrid makes environmental sense. Going green has emerged as the most prominent political movement today and one of the best ways to enhance the quality of the environment is to drive a Ford hybrid car. Moreover, hybrid cars tend to emit less noise, which reduces noise pollution in urban settings, such as downtown Knoxville. Ford has responded to increased environmental awareness by producing more types of hybrid vehicles, which appeals to our green conscious customers of greater Knoxville, as well as our loyal customers who visits us from suburbs such as Maryville and Oak Ridge. Complimentary HOV Passes Many states that experience air pollution problems have devised programs that reward hybrid vehicle owners. The states offer hybrid owners free HOV passes and specially discounted parking passes for attending civic events. HOV passes may not cost much, but the passes allow you to drive in an interstate lane and not have to worry about a police car tracking you down for speeding. HOV lanes also carry much less traffic. The Taxman Loves Hybrid Cars The push for going green has led some states to provide tax incentives for hybrid vehicle owners. You may receive tax credits or outright tax rebates that help you defray the higher cost of buying a hybrid. Some tax incentives significantly decrease the cost of hybrid vehicles, especially new models. Although the federal government has not introduced hybrid vehicle tax incentives, many tax experts expects federal legislation to emerge that mandates financial incentives for owning hybrid vehicles. Better Performance Initially, hybrids earned the reputation of providing inferior performance. That has all changed, as Ford manufactures hybrid cars that include aerodynamic exteriors. You experience less drag and the uniquely designed tires reduce friction. The nickel metal-hydride battery maximizes electrical current to sustain the gas portion of the engine. Ford equips the powertrain with multiple power sources that boosts performance on both Knoxville city roads, as well as on the interstates that cross Oak Ridge and Maryville.