Ford C-Max Energi EV charger: Which one is the best fit?
The Ford C-Max Energi is a plug-in hybrid with a relatively small battery and a maximum AC charging power of approximately 3.3 kW. You therefore do not need a particularly powerful EV charger to charge the car fully. A future-proof charger can still be a sensible choice if you expect to switch to a fully electric car later. The C-Max Energi was not officially sold on the European market and is now out of production, so examples available here are generally imported vehicles with an American Type 1 connection. To compare more Ford models first, view our overview of all Ford EV chargers.
For the Ford C-Max Energi, we recommend an EV charger with a Type 2 socket. This allows you to use a separate Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable and continue using the charger if you later switch to a car with a Type 2 connection.
Charging specifications of the Ford C-Max Energi
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Gross battery capacity | 7.6 kWh |
| Usable battery capacity | approx. 5.4 kWh |
| Maximum AC charging power at home | approx. 3.3 kW, single-phase |
| Charging time with an EV charger | approx. 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours |
| Charging connector | Type 1 (Yazaki) |
| DC fast charging | Not available |
Which EV charger is suitable for the Ford C-Max Energi?
The Ford C-Max Energi charges at no more than approximately 3.3 kW, regardless of the maximum capacity of the EV charger. A simple single-phase charger is therefore sufficient for this car. An intelligent 11 or 22 kW charger can nevertheless be a sensible investment. It automatically limits the power to what the vehicle can accept and can later be used for a fully electric car. Because the C-Max Energi has a Type 1 connection, we recommend a charger with a Type 2 socket combined with a separate Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable. Choose a charger with an integrated MID meter when charging consumption must be reimbursed by an employer or leasing company. In the Netherlands, a MID meter may also be required for ERE registration. The ERE scheme applies exclusively in the Netherlands.
| Situation | Recommended EV charger | MID meter | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard home charging | Easee Charge Up 22 kW | No | A compact and intelligent EV charger with a Type 2 socket. It automatically supplies only the power the C-Max Energi can accept and remains suitable for a future electric car with a higher charging capacity. |
| Business use or ERE registration in the Netherlands | Zaptec Go 2 22 kW | Yes | Its Type 2 socket can be used with a Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable. The integrated MID meter accurately records the charged kilowatt-hours for employer or leasing-company reimbursement and, exclusively in the Netherlands, ERE registration. |
| Budget-friendly solution | Besen 7.4 kW | No | An affordable single-phase EV charger that provides more than enough power for the C-Max Energi. It does not have a MID meter and is therefore less suitable for certified charging-cost reimbursement. |
For a future-proof solution, view our 11 kW EV chargers. To connect the C-Max Energi, you will also need a suitable Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable.
How long does it take to charge the Ford C-Max Energi?
The Ford C-Max Energi has a gross battery capacity of 7.6 kWh, of which approximately 5.4 kWh is available for electric driving. Using its onboard charger of approximately 3.3 kW, a complete charging session takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours in practice. A more powerful EV charger will not reduce this time because the vehicle’s onboard charger determines the maximum charging power. Thanks to the small battery, the electric driving range is nevertheless restored relatively quickly.
Which charging cable do you need?
The Ford C-Max Energi has an American Type 1 connection, while modern European EV chargers and public charging stations normally have a Type 2 socket. You therefore need a Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable. A single-phase 16-amp, 3.7 kW cable is sufficient for this vehicle. A 7.4 kW version can also be used but will not charge the C-Max Energi any faster.
EV charger installation
Although the C-Max Energi requires only a modest charging power, the EV charger should be connected to its own suitably protected circuit. A professionally installed charger is safer than regularly charging from an ordinary household socket. We therefore recommend having it installed by a certified electrician. More information is available on our EV charger installation page.
Other Ford models
Wallbox Discounter also provides EV charger advice for other Ford models:
- Ford Fusion Energi – another plug-in hybrid with a Type 1 connection
Frequently asked questions
Is an 11 kW EV charger useful for a Ford C-Max Energi?
It will not improve the charging speed of this car because the C-Max Energi accepts only approximately 3.3 kW. An 11 kW charger can still be sensible if you expect to switch to a fully electric car later. Choose a version with a Type 2 socket so that a separate Type 1 to Type 2 cable can be used for the C-Max Energi.
Why can a MID meter be important?
A MID-certified kWh meter accurately and verifiably records charging consumption. This is particularly important when the charged kilowatt-hours are reimbursed by an employer or leasing company or accounted for as business charging costs. In the Netherlands, a MID meter may also be required for ERE registration. The ERE scheme applies exclusively in the Netherlands.