30 miles of electricity for Ford plug-in, 40 for Prius?
Ready now?I was reading through the Automotive News today, and I came across an article discussing what the Big 3 could do if Congress provides $25 billion in loans to automakers. Currently, any projects using loan money have to achieve a 25 percent gain in fuel economy.
Thus, the Automotive News suggested that Ford convert the Escape and Mariner hybrids into plug-in hybrid vehicles. According to Ford, Automotive News states, a lithium-powered plug-in Escape hybrid can achieve 30 miles of electricity and average 80 mpg.
If true, one would assume that the Toyota Prius, with similar lithium technology, would probably achieve 40 miles of electricity and average about 100 mpg.
Yet, parallel plug-in hybrids have been considered an inferior technology to series plug-in hybrids by many since the launch of the Chevy Volt, but is such an assumption premature (Not the GM necessarily believes this, as GM is developing both plug-in hybrid powertrains)?
Labels: Chevy Volt electric vehicle concept, plug-in hybrid vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
2:47 PM
3 Comments:
You needn't assume about Prius. It's been already tested
The Ford Escape plug in should be a no brain slam dunk. The SUV can handle a couple hundred pounds of batteries and a plug, so why is Ford waiting? They have already built the prototypes insisting they need more research, but I beg to differ.
The Big 3 simply lack the willingness to provide consumers with a choice, even if they are willing to pay for it. I wish I could saunter down to my Ford dealer and select a 30 mile Escape hybrid. Believe me, I would because I happen to like the style and functionality of this vehicle.
I would also jump at the chance for a Toyota Prius plug in, but Toyota refuses and claims they need more research. Hogwash.
I also do not care if the hybrid is designed serially or as a parallel. I just want my plug in!!!
lb-
The mpgs have never been in question. Hymotion, Hybrids-Plus, etc. have proven this conclusively. It's the ability to go 40 miles on electricity that is the key to some Prius plug-in detractors.
Can it be done at any speed, for instance? The Volt could go 70 mph for 40 miles and use only electricity. Many plug-in hybrid conversions can't stay in electric mode at higher speeds as long.
Perhaps Toyota has achieved, but it isn't saying. According to Automotive News, Ford has achieved 30 miles of electricity. Of course, a lot of details are missing.
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