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Ford Tweaks the 2008 Escape Hybrid; Better Fuel Economy Than 2007 Model
12 July 2007
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| The 2008 Escape Hybrid. |
Ford has refreshed the 2008 Escape Hybrid with a new look, interior and exterior; two hybrid-specific upgrade packages including a 110V outlet; 100% recycled seating surfaces; and a boost in fuel economy—including nearly a 14% improvement in city driving compared to the 2007 model.
For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to the software in the control system to improve transparency, which is the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from electric-only to gasoline power to a combination of the two now is more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver. In addition, the four-wheel-disc regenerative brakes have been retuned to provide a better feel.
A new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system allowed Ford engineers to tune the amount of steering assist independent of engine and vehicle speed, giving the Escape Hybrid a very easy steering effort at parking lot speeds, while retaining Escape’s hallmark crisp steering feel while driving. Thanks in part to the new EPAS system, Escape Hybrid models achieve the fuel economy improvement of up to 14% in the city cycle compared to the previous model.
The 2008 Escape Hybrid carries an EPA rating (using the new system) of 34 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 32 mpg combined. The 2007 Escape Hybrid had a rating (adjusted using the new system) of 31 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
The Escape’s hybrid powertrain system consists of:
A 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine that produces 133 hp at 6,000 rpm.
A 70 kW electric traction motor.
A generator-motor to recharge the batteries, start the engine and help regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle. The generator-motor also provides power boosts during heavy load situations, helping Escape Hybrid accelerate to speed.
A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the front wheels in a FWD Escape or all four wheels with the optional Intelligent 4WD System.
A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
An electronic vehicle system controller to manage charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
The combined output of both the gas and electric motors is 155 horsepower, and the powertrain provides 0-60 acceleration performance similar to the conventional Escape with a 200-horsepower V-6 engine.
Seating surfaces. Ford says that the 2008 Escape and Escape Hybrid are the first US automotive applications of 100% recycled fabric seating surfaces. The new fabric, supplied by Interface Fabrics, Inc., is produced from 100% post-industrial waste—defined as anything intended for retail use but which never makes it to the consumer. This can be anything from plastic intended for pop bottles to un-dyed polyester fibers.
This plastic and polyester is processed, spun into yarn, dyed and woven into seat fabric. Recycling waste otherwise intended for landfills has obvious environmental benefits. Interface Fabrics estimates that Ford’s use of post-industrial recycled materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents and more than 7 million kWh of electricity.
July 12, 2007 in Hybrids | Permalink | Comments (46) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
I liked the Escape before. Good to see it improved.
Posted by: K | Jul 12, 2007 11:44:54 AM
Very nice improvements. Glad to see that Ford is just not saying we have a hybrid, leave us alone. Instead they are making is stronger and even more socially responsible across the board. Bravo.
Now - we have proved the hybrid model works very well in the Escape - so lets can the non-hybrid model - what do you think? Or - lets bump up production from current levels (11%) to say 33%+ and start to lean on the Ford namesake of manufacturing process and cost improvements!
Posted by: Mike L | Jul 12, 2007 11:50:34 AM
I really like the 110v outlet, that is extremely useful and one heck of a selling point.
Posted by: Elliot | Jul 12, 2007 11:51:17 AM
I'm surprised that there is that much tweaking to be done on a well established and presumeably perfected Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive drivetrain.
The hybrid Escape is a 3400 # vehicle too, with the streamlined shape of a brick.
Nonetheless, it is impressive that they obtained so much improvement. Good job, Ford...
Posted by: Stan Peterson | Jul 12, 2007 12:02:48 PM
Actually Ford developed their hybrid system independently; however, Toyota had beat them to patent some of the technology--hence there need to license the technology.
Posted by: Mike Z. | Jul 12, 2007 12:17:59 PM
This is the right move for Ford. Now if they could just turn the 110 volt receptacle around and use it for charging a larger battery pack, they would have the jumper (no pun!) they need to increase sales.
Posted by: Lad | Jul 12, 2007 12:35:18 PM
A small SUV that gets almost as good fuel economy as my Corolla. Not bad.
Posted by: Cervus | Jul 12, 2007 1:03:13 PM
O.K.- now apply the lessons learned here to a streamlined passenger car/wagon. Anyone see a reason why Ford can't make a car/wagon to rival the Camry-Altima twins- or even the Prius?
It seems like it would be relatively cheap for Ford to drop this powertrain in a Fusion, or even better yet, a Mazda5! A 6 passenger 50mpg Ford product- it's really not that difficult!
Posted by: DieselHybrid | Jul 12, 2007 1:20:02 PM
You know, I commend Ford for continuing to improve upon many aspects of this hybrid vehicle. Yet, I have to question their judgment on one particular item - the lack of the same stability control (what they call RSC) that is available on the non-hybrid version of this vehicle.
Yes, I've read Ford's explanation of this, but it's not like that was insurmountable. Personally, I love this vehicle, but I would never invest $30k in a vehicle without stability control these days. I mean, it has become important enough for the government to make it mandatory in a few years.
How can a car so advanced otherwise not have this? The lack of foresight just baffles me. It's little decisions like this that makes me question their
Posted by: Angelo | Jul 12, 2007 1:31:39 PM
Does anyone know if they've actually switched over to an electrically-driven A/C yet? It seemed like a huge waste to keep the engine running, when stopped, just to power the A/C.
Posted by: Angelo | Jul 12, 2007 1:50:00 PM
Are these improvements equivalent to or the same as Toyota introduced, 2 or 3 years ago, with the Prius II?
Will Ford eventually incorporate most of Prius III upgrades on the 2009/10 Escape or will Ford come up with its own in-house Hybrid recipe?
Either way, a 40 to 50 mpg 2009/2010 Escape Hybrid could be a good seller.
Posted by: | Jul 12, 2007 1:50:44 PM
40mpg Escape Hybrid? It's not gonna happen.
Posted by: toyo | Jul 12, 2007 2:10:00 PM
Good job, Ford.
Posted by: BlackSun | Jul 12, 2007 2:15:12 PM
Wow, not bad at all! I'm no fan of SUVs or even Ford for that matter, but they are really surprising me with the Escape. The recycled seats and 110V outlet are a nice touch, but what I really like is the fact that they decided to stick with a reasonably sized, Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder, instead of trying to jam some overpowered, god-awful V6 in it, which seems to be the trend with many of the hybrids that have been released lately. Now, they just need to work on reducing its weight a little and reducing the coefficient of drag a lot.
Posted by: Bob Bastard | Jul 12, 2007 2:22:17 PM
unfortunately in the Escape Hybrid that I drove in, the engine droned in an unacceptable manner to me-not at all sophisticated like the Honda Civic and Prius hybrids that I've driven...
Posted by: Richard C Burton | Jul 12, 2007 2:56:54 PM
Last time I've seen the ford escape transaxle, it was too large to fit in the tight space of a normal car - whereas the THSII transaxle family fit's nicely in compact and mid-size cars...
I believe the motors are, unlike with the coaxial arrangement with the prius, offset from the transmission shaft, and albeit of smaller diameter, the whole assembly is more clumsy..
Posted by: realarms | Jul 12, 2007 3:00:38 PM
for you toyota lovers, they licesned the Hybrid battery technology from an American Company. Like usual they take what we invent and out engineer us on it.
Posted by: Richard | Jul 12, 2007 3:32:02 PM
Ford did not pay Toyota for the hybrid system. It was fully developed in house. Toyota and Ford cross licensed patents to keep out of legal troubles with each other. Toyota had the Hybrid patents Ford needed, Ford had some diesel patents (probability from its Euro divisions) Toyota needed. Nissan tried and could not develop a system they felt was comparable so they bought Toyota's system.
Ford has demo'd smaller batteries still based on NMhi with the same capacity. I wonder if they are in there.
I just hope they finally sell a hybrid Ford Fusion.
Posted by: hampden wireless | Jul 12, 2007 4:24:13 PM
Re: Fusion hybrid: Many rumors (Autoblog, etc) that Fusion will be the next-hybridized Ford in 2008-9.
Posted by: Nick | Jul 12, 2007 5:37:50 PM
Hybrid Fusion? Cool! Lets keep our fingers crossed.
Ford: Nice work on the Escape. Keep it up!
Posted by: Schmeltz | Jul 12, 2007 5:58:57 PM
toyo,
During testing back in 2004, the Escape hybrid achieved an average of 38 mpg. Granted, the test run was in mostly city traffic and on cool days, but it showed the possible increases in fuel efficiency (if not immediately, then a few/several years/model upgrades down the road).
Posted by: allen_xl_z | Jul 12, 2007 6:05:20 PM
Hmm, just a few days ago everyone was praising GM's lame attempt at a hybrid and excusing its limitations as "baby steps". Now we have another american automaker that is losing just as many billions that did the right thing ( even if it was for an oversized vehicle). How many of you want to retract your praise of GM's timid, incompetent management?
Posted by: george | Jul 12, 2007 6:39:54 PM
It is very encouraging to see Ford's improvement it hybrid performance. I hope that Ford can make some profit from it, and if so, extend this hybrid layout on many other models.
The venerable Ford Taurus design seems to be a good candidate, since it was once a best seller for many years, and has excellent aerodynamic shape. Just enlarge the engine bay a bit to fit this hybrid package, change the sheet metal slightly to distinguish it from the old Taurus model, and plaster the Hybrid badge all over it, while giving it a catchy name like Electra or Volta, or sumthin' to do with electricity. With a resultant higher fuel economy due to a more efficient body than that of the Escape, this revamped Taurus will be a surefire success. The secret in a successful hybrid model is maximum fuel economy. James Carville (Clinton's campaign manager) would have advised: "it's the fuel economy, stupid!" as a campaign slogan for hybrids!
The 155 hp is also suitable for the minivan Windstar also, having better aerodynamic than the Escape, for those wanting more interior space while still saving fuel.
Posted by: Roger Pham | Jul 12, 2007 8:15:37 PM
This is decent.
34mpg in the city? Great for a heavy vehicle which has worse aerodynamics of a flying brick.
I know that there is a segment of the population which wants an suv.
If you can buy this SUV to replace your last car, it might have all of those features that you were hoping for, yet still be relatively environmentally friendly, especially compared to all of the other vehicles in it's class
-Michael
Posted by: | Jul 12, 2007 8:21:56 PM
If you take the '08 EPA numbers for the "new" '08 Escape hybrid and put them back into the '07 EPA numbers, and by that I mean adding 3mpg city and 1mpg hwy to the ratings, the '08 Escape hybrid would have been '07 EPA rated at 39mpg city/32mpg hwy. Remember there were quite a few people who got those '07 EPA numbers or better. So one could argue we already have a 40mpg Escape hybrid.
Posted by: Eric | Jul 12, 2007 8:23:47 PM
Ford's Hybrid technology came with the purchase of Volvo, and they developed it from there. That said, they did the right thing mating the Hybrid drivetrain to a four clyinder ICE engine; and the MPG figures reflect that. I love driving the Hybrid Highlander/Lexus RX400H, but those V6's are just too much ICE engine under the hood. They only need a 2.2-2.4VVTI engine.
Dan
Posted by: DCE | Jul 12, 2007 8:26:27 PM
"Now - we have proved the hybrid model works very well in the Escape - so lets can the non-hybrid model - what do you think?"
Posted by: Mike L | Jul 12, 2007 11:50:34 AM
I'll vote for that! Auto companies could show their commitment best by taking non-hybrid SUV's completely off the market. They're luxury vehicles, after all.
"O.K.- now apply the lessons learned here to a streamlined passenger car/wagon. Anyone see a reason why Ford can't make a car/wagon to rival the Camry-Altima twins- or even the Prius?"
Posted by: DieselHybrid | Jul 12, 2007 1:20:02 PM
Aye, there's the rub. As I posted in another thread, Detroit continues to try to marry hybrid technology to the SUV chassis. Even when the percentage gain in performance is pretty good, as it is with the Escape, it doesn't sell well. It is clear that the consumers who CARE about gas mileage and will choose ON THEIR OWN to buy a hybrid vehicle are the same people who already buy cars, instead of SUV's.
Posted by: John L. | Jul 12, 2007 9:45:45 PM
An anomaly outside the brainless stupidity of the Big Three. Otherwise, I still want a 40MPG + Fusion damnit!
Posted by: Gerald Shields | Jul 13, 2007 2:46:52 AM
Diesel -
Ford was already beat out on the patent. They are putting hybrids in a part of the market that virtually everyone else just forgot about. There are a lot of tree-huggers that do not want to be stuck in a sedan b/c that is the only type of hybrids everyone makes.
Posted by: JJSpawn | Jul 13, 2007 3:36:09 AM
"It's the fuel economy stupid!" I like that Roger.
"Turn the 110v around and use it to charge a larger
battery" Lad that works for me. How hard could that be? It's not like they have to invent new technology.
If Ford would make a hybird that would get you to work
and back on a battery charge they could not make them
fast enough to keep up with the demand.
Posted by: JBrady | Jul 13, 2007 6:37:58 AM
John L.,
I think there are plenty of people who want to buy hybrid SUVs. Two years ago I bought a small SUV. At the time neither the Ford Escape nor the Toyota Highlander were available at the dealers, so I couldn't buy a hybrid version. In a couple more years there will be more choices for hybrid SUVs, and IMO they'll sell lots of them.
George,
I don't see how you can call the Escape an "oversize vehicle." Yes, it's bigger than a Prius, but it's also much smaller than a Tahoe. For me it's about the right size to haul 2-4 people plus mountain bikes & gear, or a couple of kayaks. I telecommute, so most driving is for recreation. And I seldom drive anywhere by myself.
I know there are a lot of SUV haters posting on this site. Many think the ONLY reason people buy SUVs is because of some kind of ego problem. There are those people, but there are others for whom an SUV is simply a very useful vehicle. If we can get them up to 30-40 mpg we'll save a lot of fuel.
And I agree completely that Ford did the right thing with the 4-banger. Toyota should put a smaller engine in the Highlander SUV, and they need a RAV4 hybrid. And Ford needs a hybrid Fusion. Heck, we need lots more choices for hybrids. IMO we'll see them within 2-3 years. I can't wait ... but I have to.
Posted by: JamesEE | Jul 13, 2007 6:53:12 AM
JJSpwan, heck that "tree hugger" nonsense. It's about fuel economy, nothing more, nothing less and you don't have to be a tree hugger to respect that.
Posted by: Gerald Shields | Jul 13, 2007 7:45:09 AM
hampde wireless:
WHAT IS THE REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUYING WITH $$ AND CENTS OR WITH 'PATENT RIGHTS' or other non-monetary exchange?
Either way, Ford bought the right to buy and/or produce 100 000 Toyota synergy hybrid systems for their Escape.
Posted by: | Jul 13, 2007 7:48:57 AM
Someone alluded to it so I'll just continue the thought. The total savings for fuel are higher with a larger vehicle. Most people who buy this SUV were going to buy a small to medium sized SUV in the 1st place. Few would-be Civic or Focus drivers will go to the Escape Hybrid.
Taking a 25 mpg SUV and making it into a 37 mpg SUV means the driver will get almost 50% better MPG. That's a bigger difference than the real world gas savings from a hybrid Civic.
Posted by: DB | Jul 13, 2007 8:46:00 AM
Given the state of the art of series/parallel hybrid electric powertrains (Prius, Escape), here's a question for everyone to ponder:
If its true that the polar icecaps are melting and the penguins in Antarctica are complaining its too warm, why doesn't the U.S. Postal Service convert their mail delivery trucks to Prius/Escape-type hybrid powertrains?
Posted by: Alex Kovnat | Jul 13, 2007 9:20:24 AM
FORD BOUGHT THE RIGHT NOT TO END UP IN SOME PATENT CASE. That is the difference.
BTW there is a company that makes a product called the electric wheel (not a wheel motor) that was after Toyota for patent infringement. Seems that HSD transmission is very similar to the system they use for power transmission.
For those who want a hybrid Fusion it is coming. I wish it were here now but because it is using a newer generation hybrid system I'd rather see them get it right and it be a success rather than a half baked also ran that might poison people on hybrids. I hope maybe it will scale to the Five Hundred/Freestyle now renamed Taurus/Taurus X.
Posted by: Tim Russell | Jul 13, 2007 9:26:47 AM
Alex,
I think the reason is that Toyota and Ford couldn't make enough vehicles to meet the additional demand. But you're absolutely right. As soon as possible all government fleet vehicles should be hybrids.
Maybe there will be a recession and fuel prices will fall, causing the auto market to get soft. Then the USPS should step up to the plate and keep the production lines moving. I'm hoping within 3-5 years battery manufacturing capacity will be in place to build at least 10X the number produced today.
Posted by: JamesEE | Jul 13, 2007 10:42:47 AM
My Ford Escape Hybrid ( 2x4 ) gets 38 MPG now with 50/50 city and highway driving. That is my average for 39,000 miles, and I've had a couple tanks of all city that were about 45 MPG. A 40+ MPG version would be a drop in the bucket. Pretty much, a sure thing.
Posted by: John | Jul 13, 2007 4:01:21 PM
You wrote:
hampde wireless:
WHAT IS THE REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUYING WITH $$ AND CENTS OR WITH 'PATENT RIGHTS' or other non-monetary exchange?
Either way, Ford bought the right to buy and/or produce 100 000 Toyota synergy hybrid systems for their Escape.
--------------------------
Again its common knowledge that Fords system is not Toyota's HSD . The exchange is a two way street that has no limits to the numbers on either side.
Here is more info:
http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/archives/2005/11/is_ford_innovat_1.html
Toyota has OVER 300 PATENTS ON THE PRIUS, Ford had only to license only 21 of them.
Toyota's own press releases say Ford does not use Toyota developed technology on the Escape.
Posted by: hampden wireless | Jul 13, 2007 10:30:51 PM
I saw one of these new Escapes recently--although I wasn't close enough to determine if it was the Hybrid version. They are nice looking and I was impressed with the new look. I currently have a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and just eyeing the 2 up, the Escape didn't appear to be a whole lot different in dimensions. I think a Hybrid version Escape would be on my short list if I was in the market.
Posted by: Schmeltz | Jul 16, 2007 11:05:09 AM
Kudos to Ford for moving in the right direction.
Posted by: grshrabq | Jul 27, 2007 1:00:49 PM
Love the comments from y'all. Haven't bought yet; am still in the research phase. I've driven Fords over my life, and yes they have their weak points, but my current '97 escort just rolled over 191,000 miles, and it doesn't owe me a dime. Love the slightly larger interior, all the bells and whistles of the Mercury Mariner/Ford Escape hybrids, but am concerned about traction control. I live in Maine, and the winters can be tough. Any owners out there wiling to comment?
Posted by: KLewis | Jul 31, 2007 9:19:28 AM
I would buy one in a minute if it had POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS, PASSENGER ASSIST HANDLE, AND DVD for the kids. I have found no green vehicle with these options. Add those and then you'd really have something!
Posted by: Becky | Aug 10, 2007 12:27:23 PM
I have an Escape Hybrid and I love it. It really does get 32mpg and has great feel to it. I have had it in town and on the highway and it is great on both.
Posted by: Dan | Aug 27, 2007 6:50:22 PM
I have an Escape Hybrid and I love it. It really does get 32mpg and has great feel to it. I have had it in town and on the highway and it is great on both. I hope Ford makes a Taurus Hybrid too.
Posted by: Dan | Aug 27, 2007 6:50:58 PM
What normal North American people do with trash is throw relatively clean supermarket food containers (packaging) in the trash and then dump“ dirty” food matter on top of it. The way this American ritual works is that the food containers get dirty because they are in the trash. My weird, economical countermeasure is to not put these items in the trash, rinse out these (soy) milk cartons and soup cans and put them in a separate recycling container. When you really want to freak your“ normal” American friends...
Posted by: Recycling Bins - Recycling Containers - Recycling Equipment | Jun 3, 2008 11:24:29 PM
