What are they? The Ford C-Max hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in both will have seating for five, rather than the seven passenger capacity of conventionally-powered C-Max models.

The C-Max Energi will be the first plug-in hybrid from the carmaker, and Ford claims it will charge overnight using a 120-volt outlet and will have a range of more than 500 miles, more than the Toyota Prius plug-in.

The full-hybrid C-Max will be capable of speeds greater than 47 mph on electric power, according to Ford. Its claimed fuel economy is better than the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which returned 34 mpg overall in our testing and is EPA rated at 41 mpg in city driving.

What is new or notable? Both models will use lithium ion batteries, which Ford says are lighter and smaller than the nickel-metal-hydride batteries used in most current hybrids.

When will they be available? Both models are due in 2012.