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Ford Escape Plug-in
Ford doesn't have anything as splashy as the Toyota Prius or Chevrolet Volt in its line-up - yet. But the carmaker has long touted its multi-tiered approach toward a gas-free future.
Things have advanced far enough that some of these technologies are available to drive now, so we tried them out.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is just coming to market now. The Taurus SHO, with Ford's EcoBoost engine will be available this summer. The Ford Fiesta subcompact car will be here next year and, in 2011, Ford will begin selling a fully electric compact car.
The Escape Plug-in, shown here, is the farthest out. It isn't coming until 2012. It's in testing with power companies around the country now and I was able to take one for a short drive last year.
The reason it's taking so long to come to market is that plug-in hybrid is actually the toughest technology to execute. Unlike a full electric vehicle, it relies on two power sources at one time to power the wheels. And unlike today's regular hybrids, the computers have to be smart enough to make good use of the extra plug-in electricity to deliver maximum efficiency.
During my drive, which was mostly on city streets, the gasoline engine turned on only occasionally, when it was needed for extra punch.
Keep on reading for an early look at four fuel economy strategies that Ford will bring to market over the next couple of years.
Focus BEV
Removing the internal combustion engine from the equation altogether, Ford plans on selling its first plug-in electric passenger car in 2011. (A plug in work van will go on sale next year.)
Ford developed this car in conjunction with automotive supplier Magna International. The test vehicle I drove was built inside the body of a current-generation U.S.-market Ford Focus. The final version will be based on Ford's next-generation Focus, which will be shared with Europe.
The car drives about 100 miles on a full charge. It will take six hours or so to recharge if fully depleted but, since most people drive less than 40 miles a day, a typical recharge will take about three hours, Ford says.
Driving the Focus BEV - for Battery Electric Vehicle - was actually more enjoyable than driving a regular, gas-powered Focus. Acceleration felt quick and peppy and the electrically-boosted steering provided fine road feel.
In this version, at least, the battery takes up substantial trunk space. Expect that to be much improved in the production version.
The problem with cars like this, however, is the dreaded "range anxiety." On most days, 100 miles is fine. But on other days, or the day after you forgot to plug it in, you'll start to worry, as I did when told I was getting close to the limit.
Taurus SHO
Much as Americans say they want fuel efficient cars, they're also loathe to give up performance. Turbocharging and direct fuel injection offer ways to get more power from smaller engines that use less fuel.
Turbocharging uses pressure from hot exhaust gas to spin a turbine that pushes more air into the engine creating higher pressures and more power.
Direct fuel injection differs from the traditional fuel injection most cars have today. It allows greater control of precisely when and how fuel goes into the engine.
In the case of Ford's new EcoBoost engine, injectors pulse out a complex series of injections that cool the air in the cylinder before combustion. Combined with twin turbochargers, they help get as much power as possible from the burning fuel.
In the Taurus SHO, which goes on sale this summer, a 3.5 liter 6-cylinder engine produces up to 365-horsepower. That's 16% more power than Ford gets out of the 4.6-liter V8 engine in the Mustang GT.
The thing you lose with fewer cylinders is some of smoothness. While it really does provide a V8 feel, there's is that high-spinning V6 sound under hard acceleration. But this is a Ford Taurus, after all, not a grumbling muscle car. Most buyers will happily give up a little sound quality for the sake of a lighter gas bill and more power.
Besides the engine, by the way, the new Taurus is a huge step up from the current model. Although its a close cousin of the Lincoln MKS, the Taurus's interior looks and feels much nicer, at least in this top-of-the line version. This car should bring back some long lost luster to the Taurus name.
Fusion Hybrid
Boasts that the Fusion Hybrid is the most efficient hybrid sedan on the market. That depends on your definition of a "sedan." If it means having a trunk, yes. If it doesn't, then the Prius still beats it.But with 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, the Fusion Hybrid easily tops anything that most of us would call a family sedan. Like the current non-hybrid Fusion, the Hybrid is also a pleasure to drive. It's more fun the Camry Hybrid, but maybe not quite as much as the Altima Hybrid, based on an hour-long test drive.
A lot of the fun of driving the Fusion Hybrid has little do with steering and accelerating, though. The Fusion engages the driver in a pleasant, and relatively non-distracting, game of "virtual gardener."
As you drive, a picture of a budding vine appears to crawl up the side of the gauge cluster. The more efficiently you drive the more leaves begin to sprout. Slam the gas pedal or come to a brutally quick stop, wasting gas, and leaves begin to disappear, one by one.
There's a sense of achievement as your vine begins to fill with leaves and crawl across the top of the gauges. I'm told there may be - possibly - flowers that bloom if you do really well. Only time will tell.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/autos/0904/gallery.ford_fuel_efficient/index.html
Miles per Gallon for each vehicle
Ford Escape Plug-in hybrid:- 120 MPG in the city. 70 MPG on the highway. And 55 miles per gallon if you drive it hard in the city or in snowy weather conditions.
Ford BEV: All eletric. Uses no gas.
Ford Taurus SHO: Highway: 25 mpg
Ford Focus Hybrid: City - 41 MPG and Highway - 36 MPG
So what does Car Gaf think about their new vehicles coming out between now and 3 years?
