TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #34: TESLA PATENTS AND FORD FUEL ECONOMY NUMBERS

EV Channels Review

This episode of Talking Cars with Consumer Reports covers two main topics: Tesla's decision to open-source its patents and Ford's fuel economy miscalculations. The hosts discuss Tesla's move as a potential PR coup but also acknowledge its genuine benefit in accelerating EV adoption by removing patent barriers. They compare it to Google's open-source approach. The second half delves into Ford's issues with the Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, C-Max Hybrid, and MKZ Hybrid, where fuel economy numbers were overstated. The team highlights that while these cars offer good real-world mileage (around 37-39 MPG), the discrepancy with advertised figures led to customer dissatisfaction and goodwill payments. The show also addresses viewer questions about reliable mid-size sedans, recommending the Honda Accord over the Mazda 6 due to noise concerns, and suggests the Toyota Camry for long-term reliability, while noting the Subaru Legacy as a promising option. The Volkswagen Tiguan is discussed as a premium-feeling small SUV that offers good value when compared to luxury alternatives, though its reliability is not on par with Japanese competitors.