The Auto Writer

I like to get a hold of a vehicle when it first arrives on the market, that way I can follow its progress as it goes through equipment changes, updates and when it is eventually replaced by the next generation or an all new model. Especially enjoyable is getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that hasn’t hit the market yet, a prototype or a concept model such as the Honda FCX Clarity or more recently the Ford Escape PHEV, the latter being the focus of today’s report.

Two weeks ago while attending The Road to Sustainability conference sponsored by the Ford Motor Company at the North Carolina State University in Raleigh, I test drove the all new Ford Fusion Hybrid. Also making an appearance was a special Ford Escape PHEV (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with my local energy company’s logo (among others) painted on it.

Ford Partners With Energy Companies To Test PHEV Technology

This special version of the Escape Hybrid was developed by Ford and its partners to begin testing the technology which should take the Escape to the next level by providing improved fuel economy exceeding 100 mpg. Ford recently partnered with several energy companies including Progress Energy to introduce PHEV technology to the public, hence the Escape PHEV.

Naturally, I shared my interest in the customized Escape with Rob Caldwell, Vice President of Efficiency and Innovative Technology for Progress Energy, who drove the Escape PHEV to the event. Scott Sutton, Senior Communications Specialist for the company followed up with me last week, arranging to have Mike Waters, Product Developer Efficiency & Innovative Technology, meet me in front of the new Raleigh Convention Center to take the PHEV for a spin.

Larger Battery Pack Than Standard Escape Hybrid

Before we set out, Mike showed me the lithium-ion battery pack which sits in the rear tire storage area of the PHEV. It is larger than the current pack found in the standard Escape Hybrid, allowing the PHEV to fully recharge in 5-10 hours when plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Under the hood, is the Escape’s 2.5 L I4 DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle engine, electric motor and power electronics box, the same arrangement you’d fine in the standard Escape Hybrid.

Just like any hybrid, the Escape PHEV started without a whisper. Before engaging the transmission, we reviewed the now lit dashboard gauges and what Ford calls the Hybrid Energy Flow Display, the latter offering vital information for your trip including overall miles to the gallon. That screen can easily become an obsession especially if you’re trying to squeeze out more miles to the gallon via electric only power. In many cases the engine will not kick on for as long as you stay below 40 mpg, meaning you’ll get closer to the 100 mpg threshold that drivers seek.

Gas Engine Gives Way To Electric Solitude

Heading out, we did a lengthy loop which took us out toward I-40 and back around to Peace College before returning to the convention center. Almost immediately the engine kicked in as we ascended a small bridge and as I all too naturally wanted more power than what the battery could produce. Staying above 40 mph for a few minutes, we finished our trip in slower, congested traffic, which meant that we quietly moved around on electric only power.

While driving, I casually stole a few glances at the flow display every now and then, pleased to see that our mpg was increasing steadily. When we pulled up at the convention center the verdict was in: we achieved 94.2 mpg for our twenty minute jaunt around downtown Raleigh!

What’s Coming Down The Pike

The Ford Escape PHEV is an excellent representation of emerging technology, just the type of vehicle that many automotive manufacturers will be producing in the coming years with a big push taking place beginning in 2010. Ford, Nissan, General Motors, Toyota, Honda and Hyundai among others have each committed to building PHEV and/or pure electric vehicles, and if China’s BYD Automotive can figure out how to build crashworthy cars, then it may introduce its fleet of all-electric vehicles to the United States as early as next year.

By the way, if you already own a Ford Escape Hybrid there are aftermarket kits available to help you convert to an Escape PHEV now. One company that does conversions for the Ford F-150 is featured in the section which follows.

Related Reading:

Ford Pushing Its PHEV Via Electric Companies

41 MPG Claim For F-150 Hybrid!

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Special Thanks: Progress Energy