Ford’s Escape SUV goes electric hybrid
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

Ford Motor Company’s Escape HEV concept made its worldwide debut earlier this year at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Ford has now confirmed that the eloectric/gas powered SUV will go into production.

The drivable concept is part of a demonstration fleet the company will put on the road later this year. Ford Escape HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) is designed to be the cleanest, most fuel-efficient sport utility on the planet when it goes on sale in 2003. Ford Motor Company, the worldwide leader in light trucks, is the first automaker to announce production plans for a hybrid electric-powered sport utility vehicle.

The Ford Escape HEV will feature an electric drivetrain combined with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine. With regenerative braking and nearly instantaneous start-stop capability, the Escape HEV will be especially fuel-efficient in the city, delivering about 40 miles per gallon in urban driving.

The hybrid Escape will be capable of being driven more than 500 miles on a single tank of gasoline. Yet Escape HEV will deliver acceleration performance similar to an Escape equipped with a V-6 engine.

"Escape HEV will be a ‘no-compromise’ family-sized hybrid electric vehicle that achieves superior fuel economy and low emissions without sacrificing performance, roominess or affordability," says Jim O’Connor, president, Ford Division.

The Escape HEV drive system combines a 65kW permanent magnetic electric motor and 28kW generator with an Atkinson cycle variant of the Escape’s Zetec four-cylinder engine.

"We’re applying advanced hybrid-electric technology to the heart of the American market: the highly popular sport utility vehicle," O’Connor says. "The Escape HEV will be fuel efficient and extremely clean. We’ll also sell this hybrid-electric SUV in Europe under the Maverick name, where its nimble driving characteristics and clean, fuel-efficient operation should make it especially appealing to European customers."

While a few automakers have introduced small, low-volume hybrid electric cars, Ford is introducing its first HEV in a family-sized sport utility to increase customer appeal. This hybrid-electric powertrain also has been developed with additional applications and vehicle platforms in mind to expand the potential impact of the environmentally responsible technology.

Today’s new Ford Escape is an ideal vehicle for the first application of Ford’s hybrid-electric powertrains.

It is part of a new generation of small SUVs appealing to a new generation of SUV owners.

Compact and lightweight, fuel efficient and low in emissions, the 2001 Ford Escape has been designed with environmental compatibility in mind.

"Whether in the city or off the beaten path, the new Ford Escape has been designed to leave a light footprint on its environment," says O’Connor. "For a new generation of small-SUV owners, it is a demonstration that environmental compatibility can be a lot of fun."

"The 2001 Escape provides a logical expansion of the Ford SUV family and will help us to maintain our proven leadership by providing customers with a bold new choice in the small SUV market," .

Based on an all-new platform developed in partnership with Mazda, the new Ford Escape provides customers with a small, versatile and tough SUV with maximum convenience and comfort – together with a unibody design 4-wheel independent suspension for refined ride and handling.

The Escape is available with both two or four wheel drive and in an automatic or manual transmission and four or six cylinder engines.

Look for this fun SUV at Vista Ford in Woodland Hills and check these pages for news as to when the Hybrid hits your dealership.