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At the Detroit motor show, which opened today, Ford has revealed hybrid and plug-in hybrid editions of the new C-Max, both of which will come to Europe in 2013 after a North American debut next year.

Also on the way is an all-electric Focus, which will also go on sale in the US in 2012, with European sales starting the following year.

The Ford C-Max Energi is a plug-in hybrid that is claimed to have a range of over 500 miles, thanks to an efficient hybrid drivetrain that can be topped up using mains electricity.

The idea is that Energi owners will fully charge their car's batteries overnight, and use only electricity for their commute to work. However, if the batteries run down before the destination is reached, the conventional petrol engine kicks in and tops up the batteries, so the driver isn't left stranded.

Selling alongside the Energi will be a conventional C-Max Hybrid. Like the Energi, it will feature the latest lithium-ion batteries which are smaller, lighter and more efficient than the nickel-metal-hydride packs fitted to existing hybrids.

Completing Ford's trio of eco family cars is the Focus Electric, which features no conventional engine as it runs purely on electricity.

Taking three to four hours to recharge, the Focus Electric will offer a range of 100 miles and will feature an 84mph top speed.

The car will also have a multi-media system that will offer tips on greener driving while a mobile phone app will allow functions such as the car's heating to be controlled remotely.

Through a partnership with Microsoft, Focus Electric owners will be able to recharge their car when electricity is at its cheapest, which will also help even out demand across the National Grid.

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