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FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
 The
2005
Ford Escape is Ford’s first hybrid vehicle as well
as the first SUV hybrid to enter the market. The Ford Escape
hybrid system includes idle stop, regenerative braking, engine
assist, and engine-off drive. Also, to further improve its efficiency,
the vehicle uses an electronically controlled continuous variable transmission (CVT) which
allows the engine to operate on an optimal mix of electric and
gasoline power.
The electric drive system is powered by the 330
volt Sanyo nickel metal hydride battery pack which is stored
beneath the floor in the rear compartment. The vehicle’s12
volt battery still provides power for the vehicle’s lights
and electrical accessories. The Ford Escape also has a 110-volt
AC power outlet that can power conventional electronics.
| Hybrid
Features |
2005 Ford
Escape Hybrid |
| Idle Stop |
√ |
| Regenerative Braking |
√ |
| Engine Assist |
√ |
| Engine-Off Drive -EV Mode |
√ |
The Escape Hybrid uses an electric power assisted steering system
instead of the conventional belt-driven hydraulic system. A module
that detects the driver’s inputs controls the electric power
assisted steering.
Performance
Ford describes the Escape Hybrid as a “No-Compromise Hybrid”,
which will deliver a driving experience nearly identical to the
non-hybrid V-6 model Escape. The combination of the 133 hp Inline-4
(I-4) gasoline engine. Coupled with a 75kW electric motor,
the torque at low RPMs results in acceleration similar to the regularly
equipped I-4 Escape. The towing capacity of 1000 pounds (454 Kg)
is exactly same as the I-4 Escape. To ensure that the driving
experience in the hybrid Escape closely resembles that of a conventional
Escape, Ford has even engineered the hybrid to "creep"
when the driver takes their foot off of the brake pedal.
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Ford Escape Hybrid Engine
Source: Ford Canada |
Fuel Consumption
The Escape Hybrid is more fuel efficient than a non-hybrid 2004
Escape. Note that the city driving fuel efficiency benefits are
far greater than the highway benefits which is generally typical
of hybrids.
Make/ Model |
City (l/100km) |
Highway (l/100km) |
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
FWD |
6.6 |
7.0 |
|
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid 4X4 |
7.1 |
7.5 |
2004 Ford Escape FWD
Automatic |
12.4 |
8.5 |
2004 Ford Escape 4X4 |
13.0 |
9.2 |
Source:
NRCan Energuide Ratings |
Emissions Rating
Tailpipe emissions from the Ford Escape Hybrid are low enough to
qualify for the SULEV standard according to the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) ratings. This means that it would produce 99.4% fewer
emissions than a 1960's vehicle.
Warranty
The Hybrid Components of the Ford Escape are under warranty for 8
years or 160,000 kilometres. The balance of the vehicle uses Ford’s
standard 3 year, 60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty.
Availability
Ford has stated that there will be 750 Ford Escape Hybrids available
for Canada in 2005 and 1500 vehicles available in 2006. Product
availability may change as a function of consumer demand.
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