The Auto Writer

Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, right and Nancy Gioia, Ford director, Sustainability Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs, left, plug in the new Ford Escape Hybrid at the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 in Washington.

In my visit to the North Carolina International Auto Expo this past Friday, I spoke with two representatives from the Ford Motor Company about the automaker’s product plans. Much of what they shared with me confirmed what I already knew, but I was able to uncover some additional information about their line of upcoming plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), one of which they had on display at the show.

According to Ford, the company has produced 21 of the PHEV Ford Escapes so far and is partnering with electric companies across America to showcase these vehicles to consumers. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, Ford says that the PHEV Escape will get the equivalent of 100 mpg, along the lines of GM’s Chevy Volt will also get. Production is set to begin in 2012.

In my area, Ford is partnering with Progress Energy to show the Escape. This is part of Progress Energy’s green initiative which currently includes:

• Seven converted Toyota Prius PHEVs in key regions of their service area.

• The first plug-in hybrid bucket truck in the Southeast USA.

• Sponsorship of the nation’s first PHEV school bus.

• Support for many initiatives to develop and test PHEV technology through grants, programs and partnerships with various research organizations.

• Exploring the potential for PHEVs to be charged  via renewable energy sources.

• One of the first prototype Ford Escape PHEVs as part of a joint Ford/EPRI demonstration program (this being the vehicle I saw on display).

Naturally, I am curious as to how the PHEV will work and hope to secure a test drive via Progress Energy in the very near future. If I do, I’ll share that information with you here.

Ford is partnering with Johnson Controls-Saft to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system to power Ford’s first commercial plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

“As we move toward greater electrification of vehicles, we can achieve much more by working together toward a common goal,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The work we are investing in today on both the vehicles and the connectivity to the nation’s electric grid will pay off with real-world vehicles for customers in the very near future.”

Ford recently moved up its electrification quest by announcing that a pure electric van (Transit Connect) will be ready for the commercial market in 2010 and a small electric sedan will be available in 2011 to consumers. The latter vehicle will be a joint project with Magna International.

Sources: Progress Energy and the Ford Motor Company