The EPA has just released its fuel mileage results after testing Ford’s new Fusion Hybrid and it’s official – the Fusion Hybrid is the most efficient mid-size car on the market. It beats the Toyota Camry by 2 mpg on the highway and an astounding 8 mpg in the city. According to Ford, this equates to 700 miles per tank of fuel.

The Fusion Hybrid is so incredibly efficient, says Ford, because of its newly developed hybrid powertrain. The new system uses a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (that makes 155hp and 136 ft-lbs of torque) combined with a smaller, lighter and 20 percent more powerful nickel-metal hydride battery, which is mated to a continuously variable transmission.

Ford says it even improved the chemistry of the battery allowing it to run at higher temperatures and be cooled using air from the cabin.

One key reason for the high level of fuel-efficiency in the city is that Ford’s new Hybrid system allows the Fusion to accelerate to 47 mph on just electric power.

Other reasons for the incredible fuel economy include advancements in the electronic throttle control system and an improved climate control system that uses an electric air conditioning compressor and a heater that only comes on when it has to (to reduce the time the gasoline engine comes on). The Fusion Hybrid also uses a regenerative braking system.

Official release after the jump:

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