Photo: Ford

• Escape hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) under development for 2003 debut
• Fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain: projected to achieve about 40 miles per gallon even in stop-and-go urban driving yet will deliver acceleration comparable to the V-6 Escape
• Extremely clean operating: will achieve California SULEV emissions rating; Stage IV in Europe

"The combination of fuel efficient operation, power-on-demand and extended range will make the Escape HEV an attractive choice for Ford customers," says Neil Ressler, vice president, Ford Motor Company Research and Vehicle Technology.

"We're applying advanced hybrid-electric technology to the heart of the American market: the highly popular sport utility vehicle," Ressler 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 customers."

The Escape HEV will feature an advanced regenerative braking system which recaptures energy in the form of electricity when the vehicle is being braked; the electrical energy is stored in the battery for future use. A sophisticated motor-generator saves fuel by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is coasting or stopped, restarting it almost instantaneously when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal. These and other related technologies have been developed and proven out in Ford's P2000 research program.

Escape HEV also will incorporate technologies developed by Volvo in its Dual Hybrid Electric System for Increased Efficiency and Economy (DESIREE) program. Volvo developed two hybrid-electric concept vehicles under the DESIREE program. Ford's Research and Vehicle Development engineers are continuing work on these cars and incorporating technologies and lessons learned into the corporation's overall HEV strategy. Ford Motor Company acquired Volvo in 1999 and has been consolidating research and development efforts throughout the corporation.

The Escape HEV is being designed to operate more cleanly than government regulations require. In fact, it will qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) under California standards. It also will meet Stage IV emissions requirements in Europe before they become mandatory in the 2005 model year.

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 mass customer appeal. The hybrid-electric powertrain also has been developed with additional applications and vehicles 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.

(April 7, 2000)