Sport utility vehicles were infamous for their fuel consumption and contribution to pollution. They are widely popular among the public but its design has undesirable ramifications due to its size and effect on the environment. That was until The Ford Company decided to make the Ford Escape Hybrid. Following the example of the Japanese, the Ford Escape hybrid was the first sport utility American made vehicle on the market.
Combining the design and capabilities of the SUV which made it famous with a fuel efficient and environment friendly power source, Ford has created a new step in the hybrid technology. The vehicle filled the gap between looking good and being practical.
The Ford Escape Hybrid
The vehicle was launched in 2004. It is a gas-electric hybrid. It utilizes a full hybrid system which enables it to run by electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both for maximum efficiency. It also uses the regenerative braking which turns the electric motor to a generator. This recaptures the energy and then converts it back to electricity for storage in the battery.
The hybrid versions have badges on the doors of the front driver and passengers. The window in the cargo area on the driver's side is smaller to give way to a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. Customers have the option of choosing the "Special Appearance package" which gives The SUV a lower cladding silver finish.
The Ford Escape uses the same technology as the Toyota Prius. It is also designed to give the same performance as that of a regular Escape with a V6 engine. It has a 133 horsepower engine with 70 kW electric motor. It can accelerate up to 63 kilometers per hour when using electric power. It can go a maximum distance of 1.5 to 1.8 miles using electric power alone before switching to the gasoline engine. Its top speed is 102 miles per hour.
Ford agreed to share their patents with Toyota after realizing that their technology might conflict with Toyota. Ford used some of the Toyota's hybrid technology while Toyota was licensed to use Ford's direct injection engine and diesel technology.
Customers who purchased the Ford Escape Hybrid were also given tax credits by the government. The vehicle is said to be 75% efficient in city driving. The Ford Company is also planning of creating plug in hybrid Sport utility vehicle in the future.
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