Archives

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/AmericanAg.gif


Next-Generation Hybrid Vehicle Released

Compiled By Staff

June 13, 2007

http://americanagriculturist.com/images/clear.gif A hot topic as gasoline prices rise is the use of hybrid vehicles to save money. Companies offering hybrid technology are seeing sales rise, but none of those vehicles offered flexible fuel capability - until now.


Ford Motor Company, maker of the Escape Hybrid, is rolling out a Hybrid E85 version of the vehicle. The first one was delivered to the Renewable Fuels Association today in Washington, DC, and it can run on E85 fuel. Only 20 of the units are being put into the field this year as part of a real-world testing program Ford is undertaking.


During the event, Bob Dineen, president, RFA, commented that the combination of hybrid and flex fuel technology enables "increased energy independence and reduced carbon emissions like no automobile before."


The first Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced in 2004. Ford notes that today's Escape Hybrid E85 version produces about 25% less carbon dioxide than a gasoline-fueled Escape Hybrid. And Ford estimates that if 5% of U.S. vehicles were powered by hybrids using E85 ethanol, oil imports would fall by 140 million barrels.


Ford is already on record with a pledge to have half of its new-vehicle line with flex fuel capability by 2012.


In addition to RFA, another Escape was donated to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Governor's Ethanol Coalition.


http://americanagriculturist.com/index.aspx?ascxid=fpStory&fpsid=28733&fpstid=1


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Hybrid_Symbol_for_Ford.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/E85_Ford_Escape_Hybrid.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Ford_E85_Escape_Hybrid.jpg

Ford estimates that if 5% of U.S. vehicles were powered by hybrids using E85 ethanol, oil imports would fall by 140 million barrels.
Brian estimates that if Ford had lifted a single finger to put a non-SUV hybrid on the market, oil imports would fall by 140 million barrels.

SUV's are just lightning rods for this controversy. I don't see what all the hubbub is about. Same for Hybrids.

If flex fuel capability constitutes the "next generation" of Ford's hybrid technology, they're in more trouble than I thought.

From what I heard at the auto shows, that and marketing were a big part of it. But who knows what they may be hiding away.

Brian estimates that if Ford had lifted a single finger to put a non-SUV hybrid on the market, oil imports would fall by 140 million barrels.

Back in late 2005, when Ford had their FEH experience, they invited all these FEH owners out to Dearborn to learn more about the FEH, and about Ford Hybrids. They announced at that time the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and in fact, had a Fusion there to show. They told us the FFH would be on the market in 2006.

Then Ford backs out of its hybrid promise, the FFH is dropped quietly from fordvehicles.com, and the Mazda Tribute is delayed. Everyone scratches their head. The launch date comes and goes, and not a whisper about the FFH. However, spy shots pick up a Ford lot with 20 something FFH's parked in it, and people start guessing on the cause of the delay, production (getting batteries/Hybrid parts) shortages, programming bug, etc.

Then, an ugly rumor starts up, Ford has abandoned the FFH. The 2007 Auto Show season comes and goes, with not even a hint that there was ever a FFH, though the Mazda Tribute and the MMH and FEH redesigns are a major part of the respective displays.

In the end, it seems the FFH and the Ford Reflex get to share a shallow grave.

I am increasingly convinced that the FEH (and twins) aren't really made to be sold, they're made to increase their CAFE averages, act as a shield against poor FE and FE Tech claims, and act as an image to use as needed. Fortunately, the engineers who designed it don't know that, and made a quality vehicle.

As for the E85 FEH, well that's great. Heck, there's even a E85 station right by me, but unless they're giving it to me for free, what do I care? :p

bleh E85... what's the mileage for that?

they had a problem with E85 due to ethanol loves to evaporate into the atomophere!

so what's the cost per gallon for e85? worth the 30% decrease in mileage? unless the **** thing is TUNED FOR ETHANOL ONLY, screw the 87 octane support!

In mid-west states, E85 is around $2.00 per gallon. 30% cheaper, but in a flex-fuel vehicle, after a bit of "adjustment" to the sensors, you'll see only a 5-10% drop in MPG.

When Indy cars went to ethanol, they reported 15 Horsepower more from the same size engine. Of course that probably means 5 horsepower more to you and me, but hey, it's something. Why do you inject Nitrous Oxide in a drag race? For the OXYGEN. Ethanol carries more oxygen with it than gas. So it burns better than gas in every stroke.

Plus it is grown in the good ol' USA. And what you burn this year, grows back next year!
Try that with crude oil. ( I think they call it crude for a reason.... )


bleh E85... what's the mileage for that?

they had a problem with E85 due to ethanol loves to evaporate into the atomophere!

so what's the cost per gallon for e85? worth the 30% decrease in mileage? unless the **** thing is TUNED FOR ETHANOL ONLY, screw the 87 octane support!