Ford introduced plug in and full hybrid versions of its upcoming C-Max minivan at the North American International Auto Show. 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 Chevrolet Volt.

Ford says the C-Max hybrid will be capable of speeds greater than 47 mph on electric power, and deliver better fuel mileage than the Ford Fusion hybrid, which returned 34mpg overall in our testing. 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.

C-Max Energi owners will be able to use the recently introduced MyFord Mobile to remotely monitor and control their cars charging systems.