Ford Introduces Reflex Diesel Hybrid with Solar Assist
08 January 2006
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| The Reflex concept is based on a new full-hybrid drivetrain. |
As promised, Ford introduced its new Reflex diesel hybrid at the Detroit auto show. Proclaiming that “small is big,” Ford executives used the introduction as an example of their commitment to “seize the small car market” in the US.
The Reflex is a full hybrid that uses a 1.4-liter Duratorq as its engine, uses a rear-wheel motor in addition to the front-wheel hybrid drive, features a lithium-ion battery pack, and uses small arrays of solar cells to support non-traction electrical systems and provide a slight recharge. The goal with the latter feature is to conserve as much of the Li-ion battery system’s storage as possible to apply to torque.
Ford isn’t ready yet to reveal specifics about the hybrid powertrain or battery system, save to say that it reflects the thinking of their next-generation hybrid systems.
The Reflex offers up to 65 mpg US in urban driving—a result helped by what Ford executives say is a strong all-electric (e-drive) drive capability.
Ford is gathering customer reaction to the concept, and may productize it within a few years.
This isn't a bad looking concept. Small is big indeed.
Posted by: Prius Accessories | 13 February 2006 at 05:43 PM
At last! An American hybrid sedan! I'm so excited, I'll have to pull over my 2004 Prius to catch my breath.
Posted by: Eric | 17 March 2006 at 09:49 AM
I wish ford had this tech available last year I would love to own a reflex diesel hybrid ford truck.
Posted by: Tom | 13 April 2006 at 04:22 PM
I am looking forward to buy a hybrid electric/solar car.
When they will be available to the public?
Guilly
Posted by: guilly | 05 May 2006 at 06:56 PM
You guys are missing the point. Baby steps. It is an awesome concept car, and you're right it won't reach production in its current state. (Especially b/c the concept doesn't seem very far along - no specs.) What will get scaled back the most is the styling. Also, it is a 3 passenger car and by flipping a switch, one can fit 2 squished people in the backseat.
Bottomline - I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Posted by: BY | 15 June 2006 at 12:54 PM
I have a diesel car now, a Jetta TDI. And it is not problem free, the fuel has gelled up on me while going down the highway. That's right, after driving for about 2 hours, when the engine is completely warmed, the fuel line freezes if the temperature gets that low, even if I have anti-gel additives mixed into the tank.
I really want a car that incorporates solar power, but if it's a diesel, I need a car that can handle cold weather. I hear biodiesel gels even faster and is even less appropriate for winter driving, and, if true, that is going to make it harder to stay green in winter so to speak.
I want to buy American, but milea. My mileage in the Jetta is good, and I'm not going to take a hit on mileage if I don't have to. Whichever company "productizes" a high-mpg solar vehicle first gets my money.
Posted by: Madai | 26 June 2006 at 02:20 PM
Why not combine all the available technology ?
1) diesel engine that can also take E85 fuel
2) Solar Cell Panel on Roof
3) Hybrid
4) On-demand turn-on/off 3 or 4-cylinder of engine
5) pluggable to recharge
Just a dream...
Posted by: ctai | 29 June 2006 at 06:00 PM
This is an excellent direction for Ford to head.
Unfortunately it is just fantasy... Those Guillotine doors are a big flag that says fantasy.
But the practical bits are all totally feasible. For lots of info on the economics of PHEV's check out the CalCars.org web site.
What Ford should do is add 25 mile plug in range to the Escape Hybrid. That would take minimal engineering and minimal batteries, and I would buy one of those in a heartbeat!
The reason the Prius isn't Diesel is because Toyota wanted to get the Prius in to California's Carpool lanes, a feature worth $6000 in LA. And they did win the argument because it is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehical (SULEV) which is a hard goal for a Diesel.
Also the easy starting and clean Atkinson cycle engine in the Prius is very suitable for hybrid use, and not easy to duplicate in a Diesel.
I can't wait to have a Plug-in car, because I hate te gas station. They won't give you the time of day- make you stand out in the cold and breath carcinogens, and mingle with scary people. Worst place I ever go! With a PHEV I can go there monthly instead of weekly.
Posted by: sue | 26 March 2007 at 11:33 PM
This is definitely the perfect car that i've been waiting and wanting to have.I drive about 43 miles
everyday with my LINCOLN AVIATOR and the gas is eating my money away.I'm hoping that the Ford company will put this in production so I could buy one for myself and start saving money on gas.For $20,000. plus for this car
I am considering to buy one for my wife also.
Posted by: FRANCISCO GAGARIN | 04 October 2007 at 07:04 PM
This is definitely the perfect car that i've been waiting and wanting to have.I drive about 43 miles
everyday with my LINCOLN AVIATOR and the gas is eating my money away.I'm hoping that the Ford company will put this in production so I could buy one for myself and start saving money on gas.For $20,000. plus for this car
I am considering to buy one for my wife also.
Posted by: FRANCISCO GAGARIN | 04 October 2007 at 07:14 PM
Hybrid Cars
http://www.thehybridcars.net
Posted by: Solmon | 07 November 2007 at 08:31 AM
65 MPG sounds good, Diesel sounds good (since burning bio-diesel or SVO might be an option), but can you plug it in? I can't wait to see detroit pump out some plug-ins.
Posted by: CARazed | 18 January 2008 at 09:14 PM
Hybrids are just a short term temporary solution. They really need to investigate true alternatives. Hybrids still relying on gas. We need REAL Alternatives. I am afraid automakers are afraid of researching outside their sandbox.
Posted by: mike | 24 March 2008 at 11:21 AM
Fuel alternative
Posted by: mike | 24 March 2008 at 11:23 AM