Page 1: Introduction
IRVINE, CA - Calling it the world's first hybrid SUV, Ford Motor Company will begin production of an Escape Hybrid to go on sale to consumers in the summer of 2004. According to Ford, the Escape Hybrid will boast the acceleration of a V6 engine, the fuel economy of a small car and the utility of a normal SUV.
Developed in partnership with Volvo and Aisin AW, Ford's new SULEV- and PZEV-rated hybrid powertrain combines a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located underneath the rear cargo floor with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 65-kilowatt (kW) electric assist motor and a 28 kW generator. The company claims that it produces the acceleration of a 200-horsepower V6 engine while achieving between 35 and 40 mpg in stop-and-go city driving. Expect this technology to add several thousand dollars to the sticker price of the Ford Escape, putting the Hybrid model in the same price class as the larger Ford Explorer.
Without the 65 kW permanent-magnet electric motor assist, the Ford Escape Hybrid would not perform as though it was equipped with a V6 engine. When additional power is needed, such as when accelerating from a stop or when passing, the Escape Hybrid's electric motor assists the gasoline engine in making power. The benefit is lively acceleration and ample power when needed, without excess fuel consumption.
Page 2: Full hybrid
Unlike some hybrids, this Escape is a full hybrid vehicle, meaning that it can operate without the internal combustion gasoline engine running. In fact, the Ford Escape Hybrid will be able to go as fast as 25 mph without burning a drop of fuel, albeit for short distances. Ford estimates that in city driving, the Escape can run on electric only about 40% of the time in bumper-to-bumper traffic. When the gasoline engine is used, Ford estimates that the SUV will be able to travel 500 miles between fuel stops.
Like other hybrids, the Escape Hybrid is equipped with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that automatically shuts the gasoline engine off when it is not needed, such as when idling at a traffic light. The gasoline engine restarts when any demand for power is detected. The benefit of this system is reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
Regenerative braking captures energy created when the brakes are used to recharge the Ford Escape Hybrid's powerful battery pack. The headlights, stereo and climate control system will be operated using juice from the batteries, resulting in reduced fuel consumption because the engine won't need to continually power these accessories. Ford's hybrid system includes a thermal management system that cools the battery pack to prolong battery life. On the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid show vehicle, an air extractor splits the left rear quarter glass.
Page 3: Availability
All of this whiz-bang technology will be mostly transparent to the consumer. The Ford Escape Hybrid should look and drive just like any V6-powered Ford Escape, except that the engine will shut itself off when it's not needed and there will be a couple of auxiliary gauges to monitor the hybrid powertrain's electrical components. Cargo space, passenger capacity and ground clearance will not be adversely impacted. Four-wheel-drive will also be available.However, the show vehicle that Ford will display at the 2004 New York Auto Show is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front styling, and special graphics to make it stand apart from the crowd. Additionally, a No Boundaries rack system is mounted to the roof. Inside, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid show vehicle has leather upholstery, natural woven material for the floor mats, and chrome-ringed gauges unique to hybrid model. A navigation system and hybrid system-check visual display resides in the center stack.
In addition to North America, Ford expects the Escape Hybrid to be a big hit in Europe, where it will be sold as the Ford Maverick. If Ford can keep pricing down and production up, and the Ford Escape Hybrid proves to be "built Ford tough," we expect it to be a sellout.
-- Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
