How much CO2 does a Ford C Max produce?
Across its variants and markets, the Ford C-Max’s carbon dioxide output varies widely. In general, petrol and diesel versions emit more CO2 per kilometer than the plug‑in hybrid, and official figures depend on the specific engine, transmission, wheel size, and testing cycle used. Here is a clear overview of what to expect and how to find the exact numbers for a given car.
What drives CO2 numbers on the C-Max
CO2 emissions are determined by the engine type, fuel, and propulsion system, as well as regional testing methods. Europe commonly uses WLTP (and historically NEDC) cycle data, while the United States reports in terms of grams per mile (g/mi) based on EPA testing. Small changes in equipment, such as tires and gear ratios, can also shift the published figure by a few grams per kilometer or mile.
Petrol versions
Petrol-powered C-Max models generally show higher CO2 outputs than diesels of similar size, with values influenced by engine displacement, transmission choice, and optional equipment. The typical range you’ll see in official figures covers a broad band due to these variables.
- Typical CO2 range (petrol): approximately 125–170 g/km (WLTP), depending on engine size, transmission, and wheel/tyre choice.
- Higher-output or larger-displacement petrol variants tend to sit at the upper end of the range; smaller petrols fall toward the lower end.
- Transmission and trim level can nudge the figure by several grams per kilometer.
These ranges reflect common configurations across European and North American markets and illustrate how a single model can carry a wide spread in published CO2 numbers depending on specification.
Diesel versions
Diesel C-Max variants typically produce less CO2 per kilometer than their petrol counterparts, again with variation by engine size, turbocharging, and emissions equipment. The published numbers cluster toward the lower end of the petrol range for comparable model years.
- Typical CO2 range (diesel): about 100–130 g/km (WLTP), with some efficiency-focused configurations dipping toward or just under 100 g/km.
- Smaller diesel engines and efficient transmissions tend to be at the lower end; larger diesels push toward the higher end of the range.
- Improvements from newer diesel technology and weight-reduction efforts can shift figures downward over time.
As with petrol versions, exact figures depend on market and the precise engine/gearbox configuration.
Plug-in hybrid version (C-Max Energi)
The C-Max Energi (plug-in hybrid) combines an electric drivetrain with a gasoline engine, so published CO2 figures reflect both gasoline usage and electricity consumption. In official tests, these plug-in hybrids typically show far lower CO2 values than purely combustion‑engine versions, but the exact number hinges on how often the vehicle is charged and how it’s driven.
- Typical combined CO2 (plug-in hybrid): commonly cited around 40–60 g/km (WLTP), with lower values when the car operates more in electric mode.
- When the battery is not charged or the gasoline engine carries most of the load, CO2 rises toward the petrol/diesel range for the corresponding engine size.
- Note that in US EPA terms, the CO2 figure is reported per mile (g/mi); conversions to g/km depend on the exact cycle used.
Plug-in variants usually offer the best CO2 performance on official tests, but real-world results depend heavily on charging habits and daily driving distance.
How to find the exact CO2 figure for your C-Max
To know the precise CO2 emissions for a specific Ford C-Max, use official documentation and test data for your market and model year. Here are the best sources and methods:
- Check the vehicle’s official brochure or Build & Price tool for your country, which lists the exact CO2 figure for each trim and engine combo.
- Look up the EU type-approval data or the national vehicle registration database (e.g., VCA in the UK, similar databases in other EU countries) for WLTP/NEDC figures by variant.
- For the United States, consult the EPA FuelEconomy.gov page for the specific model year and configuration; the data is presented in g/mi and includes a combined figure.
- If you have the VIN, many manufacturers’ portals can fetch the exact CO2 rating associated with that VIN’s configured options.
Because emissions data are highly version-specific, always verify the exact figure for the precise car you’re evaluating.
Summary
The Ford C-Max does not have a single, universal CO2 number. Emissions depend on whether the car is a petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid, plus market, year, and equipment. In broad terms, petrol versions tend to sit in the mid-to-high range (roughly 125–170 g/km), diesel versions are usually lower (around 100–130 g/km), and plug-in hybrids show the lowest official CO2 (about 40–60 g/km when the vehicle operates with substantial electric driving). For an exact figure, consult the specific model year and market documentation or official databases referenced above. Always verify the precise figure for your exact configuration to understand its environmental impact accurately.
End note: CO2 figures are useful for comparing vehicles and for regulatory compliance, but real‑world emissions can differ based on how you drive and how you charge a plug-in variant. A well-charged Energi can achieve notably lower emissions in daily use than a petrol-only model.
In short, the best approach is to identify your exact variant and use the official data sources to read the precise CO2 value for that configuration.
