Hi All:
___I was doing a little speculation on the upcoming Fusion HEV and the numbers do not look good from the back of the envelope type calc’s. Here is what I was thinking.
Ford Escape 2.3L - (non-hybrid) w/ a stick - FWD: EPA rated 24/29
Ford Escape 2.3L - Hybrid - FWD: EPA rated 36/31
___City ratings increased by 50% and the highway ratings increased by ~ 7%.
Ford Fusion 2.3L - (non-hybrid) w/ a stick - FWD: EPA rated 23/31
___With the ~ same % increases in City/Highway respectively; the Ford Fusion Hybrid does not look like it will be so enticing in the FE department?
Ford Fusion 2.3L - Hybrid - FWD: Guesstimate -
EPA of 34/33.
___Considering the TCH at 40/38 or even the non-hybrid Camry/Accord contingent at 24/33 - 24/34 (both w/ Auto), I think Ford is going to have to do something more to the 2.3 to bring it up to TCH like numbers. Even after mild atkinsonization, the TCH’s 2.4L I-4 puts out 147 HP and 138 Ft.-lb’s of torque vs. the Fusion’s non-Atkinsonized 2.3L at 160 HP and 156 Ft.-lb’s of torque. The FEH numbers above include the Atkinsonization so where will Ford find that extra FE from? Reading the Edmunds TCH forums, many are pulling mid 30’s (on average) with their TCH’s already so Ford has there work cut out for themselves.
___I was thinking someone with the right commute and such might be able to pull a 70 mpg tank from one but even with a larger 2kWh PHEV pack and a 40% range of SoC, I do not think it will make it? This does not bode well for Ford and the upcoming Fusion from a technical perspective let alone the TCH hitting the streets for ~ $26K relatively loaded
___Good Luck
___Wayne
my FEH 
Linear Mode
