Mirroring a lot of attention to detail, the 2008 Ford Escape
Hybrid has the distinction of being the world's first hybrid SUV
to be powered by the acceleration of a V6 engine, fuel economy
of a small car and the utility of a normal SUV. While even the
most efficient cars usually waste a lot of energy, the Ford Escape
Hybrid uses a number of techniques to recapture that energy. For
example, the regenerative brakes generate electric current, rather
than heat. Even the electric motors attached to the drive train
are capable of recapturing waste energy when the vehicle is coasting
or idling.
The
first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel
economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is fitted with an Atkinson-Cycle 2.3-liter
4-cylinder power train generating a horsepower of 155. For safety,
the Escape Hybrid offers antilock brakes, LATCH system, side guard
door beams, front side air bag, dual front airbags, and 24-hour
road assistance. The vehicle can travel at 25-mph without any
fuel for a short distance. In city driving, where the roads usually
glut with traffic, the 2008 Escape Hybrid can run on electric
only about 40% of the time.
An
integrated Starter Generator (ISG) on the 2008 Escape Hybrid
shuts the engine when it is not needed. Key standard features
such as air conditioning, AM/FM radio with 80-watts and 4 speakers,
16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric power steering,
tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power windows, power door locks,
power mirrors and a 40/60-split bench rear seat come handy in
complementing the ride.
