Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-P

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electriccargo space.
hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utilityThe software and computerized controllers that
vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) ormake everything work effectively is the key to a
four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter,hybrid. Small badges identify the Ford Escape as a
four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower athybrid. The instrument panel is a little different
6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm;because it contains a gauge that shows when the
synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp fromelectric motor is the source of power and when the
3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under reargasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in
cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuouslythe center stack gives instant and average fuel
variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155economy as well as a pictorial representation of how
hp because gas and electric do not make theirthe power is flowing at any instant.
maximum power simultaneously.The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to
It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasolineconserve fuel. When driving resumes, the SUV's
engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction70-kilowatt traction motor generator can launch the
electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-voltvehicle on electric power. When it's needed, the
battery pack. The combination provides performancegenerator starts the gas engine without the
on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to beincreased emissions produced when a conventional
plugged in because the engine recharges theengine is started
batteries, by the electric motor and by heatThe Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the
recovered as energy during braking.amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a
"The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electricconventional gas engine. It produces 97 percent less
vehicle, but the gasoline engine adds power forhydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than
acceleration, charges the batteries and powers thevehicles meeting today's required emission standards.
air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's directorThat qualifies it for the Advanced Technology Partial
of Sustainable Mobility ProgramsZero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards
Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be pluggeddesignation.
into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges theBeing the leader in the development of low emission
Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motorvehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will
into a generator to help refill the battery pack duringsomeday result in practical hydrogen-powered
stops; and by a recharging system powered by thevehicles with no greenhouse gas emissions.
gas engine.As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its
Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can beproducts to suit every client needs, Partstrain is
found under the Escape's cargo floor, the batteryalways looking for superior and quality workmanship
pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly thefor its product lines. Only the finest Ford auto body
size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe onparts comprise its stock.