With the Toyota Prius V Plug-in Hybrid clearly in its sights, Ford’s new C-MAX Energi will arrive in dealerships across the United States this fall with a starting price of $33,745 before a $3,750 federal tax credit and additional tax credits up to $1,500 in California.

Therefore, depending on where you live, the plug-in hybrid version of the C-MAX (there’s also a regular hybrid variant that starts at $25,995) will cost between $28,495 and $29,995 after the government subsidy.

Like the C-MAX Hybrid, the C-MAX Energi is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that works together with an electric motor for a projected total system output of 188hp reaching a peak of 195hp with a fully charged battery.

The difference between the two models is that the C-MAX Energi features an external charge port and larger lithium-ion battery pack allowing owners to charge the vehicle using either a standard 120-volt outlet or the available 240-volt charge station.

The Blue Oval says the Energi will have 550 miles (885 kilometres) of driving range on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery and can go more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) on electric power alone.

It will return a combined gas mileage equivalent of 95 miles per gallon (MPGe).

“The Ford C-MAX Energi is within financial reach for those who want a hybrid, but is also something customers will want to reach for because of its unique look and amazing value,” said Michael O’Brien, Ford electrified vehicle marketing manager.

“It offers exceptional fuel economy, better features and a better price tag than a Prius plug-in hybrid, which we think will help make C-MAX Energi one of our most attractive vehicles for import customers.”

VIDEO