18 Feb 2008 04:53:16 | Jenny Mc Lane
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric
hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle,
available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive
(4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine
rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at
4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000
to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor;
electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission.
Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not
make their maximum power simultaneously.
It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine
with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor,
regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The
combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid
never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the
batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy
during braking.
"The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but
the gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges the
batteries and powers the air conditioning," said Mary Ann
Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Programs
Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a
recharger. Regenerative braking recharges the Ford Escape
Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help
refill the battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system
powered by the gas engine.
Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can be found
under the Escape's cargo floor, the battery pack, which contains
250 small batteries roughly the size of D cells mounted in
series doesn't infringe on cargo space.
The software and computerized controllers that make everything
work effectively is the key to a hybrid. Small badges identify
the Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little
different because it contains a gauge that shows when the
electric motor is the source of power and when the gasoline
engine is running. An optional LCD display in the center stack
gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial
representation of how the power is flowing at any instant.
The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to conserve fuel.
When driving resumes, the SUV's 70-kilowatt traction motor
generator can launch the vehicle on electric power. When it's
needed, the generator starts the gas engine without the
increased emissions produced when a conventional engine is
started The Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the
amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a conventional gas
engine. It produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon and oxides of
nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today’s required
emission standards. That qualifies it for the Advanced
Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards
designation. Being the leader in the development of low emission
vehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will someday
result in practical hydrogen-powered vehicles with no greenhouse
gas emissions. As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its
products to suit every client needs, Partstrain is always
looking for superior and quality workmanship for its product
lines. Only the finest Ford auto body parts comprise its stock.
Find, compare and buy Ford Automotive Parts, Accessories, and
other Car products at Its online store
http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD We supply discount
ford parts for the Ford Courier, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape,
Ford Econoline Van, Ford Expedition, Ford Taurus, Ford Maverick,
Ford Falcon, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Fairlane, Ford Crown
Victoria, Ford F-series pickup and many other Ford models.
About Author :
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for
research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works
full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts
suppliers in the country today.