That seamless driving experience is the reason why Ford waited until it could provide buyers with a no compromise hybrid SUV that delivered four-wheel drive capability while carrying five passengers and cargo, said Andy Acho, Ford worldwide director of Environmental Outreach and Strategy.
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| Ford waited until it could provide buyers with a no compromise hybrid SUV. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
"It will also give you the performance of a six cylinder engine--even though it has an I-4 engine--and give you 35 to 40 miles per gallon in city driving and give you a range of about 500 miles before you have to refill," Acho said. "It is impressive and it will be even more impressive when people come to the dealers and be able to buy or lease these vehicles later this summer."
The vehicle will be able to tow a 454 kg (1,000 pound) trailer, like the normal I-4 version can rather than the V6 version, and has the same cargo carrying capacity at 821 liters (29 cubic feet) behind the second row, added Ford spokesman Bill O'Connor.
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| The Escape Hybrid is a full HEV--capable of operating in gasoline or electric mode, rather than a so-called "mild" hybrid. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
But emissions-wise, O'Connor said, the Escape Hybrid is vastly cleaner than the V6 version--cutting hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent, reducing carbon monoxide by 70 percent, and it has almost zero evaporative emissions.
Evaporative emissions, under the California air regulations, include the out-gassing of the car's components, from the foam in the seats, to the rubber in the tires, hoses and belts, the plastics of the instrument panel, and the floor's carpeting as the vehicle ages.
The Escape Hybrid is a full HEV--capable of operating in gasoline or electric mode, rather than a so-called "mild" hybrid such as those made by Honda. Mild hybrids are only powered by their IC engines, but use their battery pack to provide a power boost at critical times, helping them achieve fuel economy and emissions improvements.