Ford's new hybrid vehicle instrument cluster: Cool, but big deal

Looks great, now build some hybrids

Ford is touting its new instrument cluster for the Fusion and Milan hybrids today. The SmartGauge with EcoGuide is an instrument cluster geared towards helping hybrid drivers optimize fuel economy using high resolution LCD screens on both sides of the speedometer that show things like fuel level, battery charge, EV mode, etc.

“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”

Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster’s science and technology.

I think the cluster looks great, but if Ford is only going to make a total of 50,000 hybrid vehicles per year, I'm just not that impressed. The Escape hybrid is a very nice vehicle, and I'm sure that Milan and Fusion hybrids will be equally as good - in fact they could achieve a 60 percent improvement in city fuel economy - but commit to making at least 100,000 hybrids per year or what's the point?

Why city fuel economy doesn't matter

Because denial requires commitment

Several weeks ago at GM's Centennial, GM's technology guru, Larry Burns, discussed transportation studies that demonstrated the future for world transportation is slow, congested driving. Already, congestion is a huge American problem, and the idea of the open highway as the average commute has been a work of fiction for decades.

Yet, the auto industry - makers and press - are still fixated on highway fuel economy. Why? Ignorance? Denial?

The two-seat Smart Car, for instance, achieves 33 mpg on the EPA's city cycle. Even hybrid SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, do better than the tiny Smart Car at 34 mpg. The 5 passenger Toyota Prius achieves 48 mpg on the city cycle. Yet, hybrid cars are so over-rated?

Denial won't make foreign oil dependency go away, nor will 33 mpg.

Diesel v hybrids at an EPA glance

The EPA's top pick for 2009

I've been ill the last several days, so when I saw the EPA's Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List last week, I just wasn't very surprised or excited. Hybrids still dominate, especially in the city. Since, however, I've read a few articles noting the significance of the first diesel making the list.

A manual VW Jetta TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway. The Toyota Prius is 48 and 45, respectively.

Many diesel fans regularly chide the whole hybrid cars segment as a fad, but when it comes to city driving it's clear, hybrids are easily superior.

In order the list goes: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid (and Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid), Smart ForTwo, Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Jetta Diesel Manual, VW Jetta Diesel Automatic, Toyota Yaris Manual, and the Toyota Yaris Automatic.

Vue the best hybrid SUV deals

A plug-in version of the Saturn Vue hybrid

So, you're in the market for an SUV. And, despite higher than normal fuel prices, you're not sure whether a hybrid version is the right move. According to Intellichoice the answer to that question is clear.

Hybrid SUVs are more cost effective than their conventional cousins. After 5 years the Saturn Vue hybrid will save $3,797 over a conventional Vue. The Chevy Tahoe hybrid will save $3,733. The Ford Escape hybrid will save $2,489. The Toyota Highlander hybrid will save $1,360.

Now that doesn't mean the Saturn Vue hybrid is the best deal amongst hybrid SUVs. If you drive in heavy city traffic, for example, the Escape hybrid is a better deal. Still, if you're in the market for an SUV, and you've contemplated one of the four SUV models above, then the hybrid version is the way to go.

DOE to help Ford accelerate PHEVs

$10 million for 20 PHEVs

The DOE has provided Ford with a $10 million grant to continue its test program of 20 plug-in Ford Escape hybrids. According to GCC, the Escape hybrids will be "equipped with a 10 kWh advanced lithium ion battery pack supplied by Johnson Controls/Saft that stores enough electric energy to drive up to 30 miles at speeds of up to 40 mph. The battery works in tandem with a small four-cylinder engine."

It's hard for me to get too excited when there are numerous third party companies doing exactly the same without any money from the government. Obviously, they aren't as involved in the grid work that is being executed in this program, but still.

Perhaps, if Ford could double the production of the conventional Escape hybrid just once this decade I could get a little excited.

Ford Hybrids: Safer than Toyota

A 5 Star Safety vehicle

The 2009 Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid are both 5 star rated vehicles according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And Ford hopes to use this rating as a way to promote its hybrid vehicles over Toyota. Both the Toyota Prius and the Highlander hybrid received 4 stars.

Soon, Ford will launch the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Mercury Milan hybrid, and the automaker hopes to double the sales of its hybrid vehicles.

That's four hybrid vehicles. Yet, Ford is only hoping to sell 50,000 hybrids?

Ford hybrids: Makes me wanna holler

How many Focus hybrids will Ford make?

The Ford Escape isn't my favorite hybrid vehicle, but for those coveting a fuel efficient SUV, it doesn't get any better than the Escape hybrid, at least for now. And, with gas prices at record highs, SUV drivers are more interested in fuel efficiency than ever. So, why are Escape hybrid sales down 9 percent compared to last year?

According to Ford the automaker will make its standard 24,000 hybrid vehicles this year - a combination of mostly Escape hybrids and a few Mercury Mariner hybrids. Thus, perhaps Ford is using some of its NiMH packs for the upcoming Focus hybrid. Whatever. What seems obvious is that whether it's the Focus hybrid or the Escape hybrid, Ford's hybrid vehicles are going nowhere fast.

Next year, Honda plans to sell well over 100,000 hybrid vehicles, an aggressive increase. And with Toyota's third generation Prius due out next year, Prius sales are certain to skyrocket, as Toyota is planning a 60 percent increase in battery production.

At one time Ford was the one glimmer of hybrid hope amongst US automakers, now Ford just makes me wanna holler.

Escape hybrid: Much ado about advertising?

Just a PR gimmick?

Why, after years, is there always a shortage of Ford Escape hybrids? This is question I approached last week, but after seeing countless Escape hybrid commercials the last few days, I have to touch upon this subject again.

Sam, over at Autobloggreen, speculates that its more cost effective for Ford to sell regular Escapes at the expense of hybrid Escapes, and I'm sure he's right, except when it comes to Ford's reputation.

Ford uses the Escape hybrid, an excellent vehicle, as its green poster child. And for how many Escape hybrid commercials Ford has used over the years, you'd think they were absolutely committed to the Escape hybrid and green issues. Refusing to increase production, despite increased demand, however, feels far too much like greenwashing. Stop talking and start doing: Build more Escape hybrids.

Why did Ford make the Escape hybrid?

Real potential escaping Ford?

With $4.00+ gas it isn't very surprising that demand for hybrid vehicles is on the rise. Thus, one might imagine that automakers would increase production of their hybrids, as Toyota has done year after year. Yet, despite Escape hybrid success, Ford has no plans to increase Escape hybrid production, which is about 25,000 hybrids per year.

Certainly, since Ford leases some hybrid technology from Toyota, it isn't surprising that Ford isn't as bullish on hybrids as Toyota. Still, when you can't seize upon success, what's the point? Just green buzz? A few CAFE credits?

The Escape hybrid is a great SUV, too bad Ford doesn't think so.

Prius, Escape hybrid rule city fuel economy

Escape hybrid outperforms the Civic hybrid

When I tell people that a Toyota Prius can achieve as much as 60 mpg in LA driving, many don't believe me. Yet, a recent city driving test by Cars.com has proven my - in some minds - wild claims.

In several tests of real world Chicago traffic, the Toyota Prius achieved fuel economy ranging from 50.5 mpg to 60.8 mpg, averaging 55.7 mpg according to observed tests and 59.1 mpg according to the Prius computer.

Surprisingly, the Ford Escape hybrid outperformed the Honda Civic hybrid in the same traffic, achieving 38.3 mpg versus the 37.6 mpg of the Civic hybrid.

Cars.com only tested four hybrid cars. The other hybrid tested, the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, achieved 20.5 mpg.

Camry hybrid: Best hybrid for the money?

Payback in just 18 months?

According to Edmunds, the Toyota Camry hybrid recovers its costs compared to the the base 4 cylinder Camry in just 18 months. The Chevy Malibu hybrid was second at 2.7 years, although it won't save as much money over the long run as other hybrids. Thus, the Toyota Prius at 3.5 years will save more money than the Malibu hybrid if you keep the vehicle for at least 5 years. The Honda Civic hybrid takes 4.8 years to recover its hybrid costs.

Because of large price increases in the last year, the Ford Escape hybrid, now priced more than $2,300 more than last year, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, now up $5,482 over last year, take 7.3 years and 12 years respectively to recover their hybrid costs. Ouch!

Obviously, some hybrid vehicles are a great hedge against high gas prices, but the Toyota Camry hybrid is beginning to look like a steal.

Escape hybrid is the new tax credit king

Worth a $3000.00 tax credit

Lately, when the topic of hybrid tax credits arises, I usually spend my time advocating for more tax credits for hybrid cars. It just seems obvious that tax credits aren't just for influencing consumers, but they should also be for creating competition amongst automakers. While the IRS created some interest, it didn't force ANY competition. Of course, then again, there's the AMT, etc., etc.

Anyway, back to today. Both the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid and the 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid qualify for a $3000.00 federal tax credit - a $400 increase over last year - making them hybrid tax credit kings. The Nissan Altima hybrid is second at $2350, followed by the Honda Civic hybrid at $2100.

If one of these tax credits is about to drive your next hybrid purchase, make sure you speak with your tax advisor about issues like AMT.

AutoWeek thumbs up Escape hybrid

A fuel economical "tall wagon"

A couple of editors from AutoWeek offered a few criticisms of the Ford Escape hybrid, such as the need for fine-tuning the CVT and the awkwardness of many of the drive-by-wire components. Still, for those looking for a mid-sized, fuel efficient vehicle, both editors found the Escape hybrid to be favorable.

John Kerry wants a Tahoe hybrid

A big hybrid for a big environmentalist?

Sen. John Kerry will trade in his Ford Escape hybrid for a Chevy Tahoe hybrid according to Automotive.com. Apparently, Kerry needed a bigger hybrid so that he can make a bigger environmental statement or something. Actually, I don't know why a self-proclaimed environmentalist would go for such a large hybrid in the first place - maybe his bling-bling wife put Kerry in check. Or, maybe he had a bunch of kids recently or something.

OEMtek: Convert your Prius into a plug-in Prius

Double your mileage for $15,000?

If you live in California, home to some half a million Toyota Prius hybrids, then you can soon convert your Prius into a a plug-in Prius using the OEMtek BREEZ PHEV Conversion Module.

Read more...

2009 Ford Escape hybrid to see power boost

A few more horses in 2009

Ford will increase the horsepower of the Ford Escape hybrid by 11 percent in the 2009 model to 170 horsepower with a new 2.5 liter engine. Overall fuel economy, however, is not expected to be affected by the increase in power. (AP)

Ford Escape hybrid plug-in at NAIAS 2008

Ford's plug-in Escape

There wasn't anyone to talk to this morning about the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid at the show today, and I'm sure a production vehicle is still a few years away. Still, I thought I'd show a picture. Hopefully, I'll have more on this later.

Should politicians drive American?

The best hybrid for members of Congress?

Just a couple of years ago there were just a couple of members of Congress whom drove hybrid cars. Thus, at a Congressional news conference on high gas prices at a gas station a few blocks from Congressional offices, several reporters mocked Congress for both not walking to the conference and for driving fuel-inefficient cars.

Today, many more members of Congress now drive hybrid vehicles and many of those hybrids are foreign hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius. This has continually bothered some members of Congress, especially those from Michigan.

Obviously, there aren't many choices when it comes to hybrid cars, and the Prius is the most fuel efficient hybrid. So, is it really that big of a deal that American members of Congress buy non-American hybrids? Or, as members of Congress, would it be more ethical to drive a hybrid like the Ford Escape hybrid?

Interest in Ford Escape hybrid increasing?

Ready for a sales explosion?

According to CarMax, searches for hybrid cars are on the rise. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid have seen huge increases in search traffic, however, the hybrid that has seen the biggest increase is the Ford Escape hybrid.

Is it Ford's smart "hybrid, hybrid" commercial? Have high gasoline prices finally forced die-hard SUV drivers to consider a hybrid SUV?

Who knows, but it will be interesting to check out Ford's Escape hybrid sales numbers the next few months. For many months, interest in hybrid vehicles has increased, but sales have lagged far behind this interest. Are consumers finally ready to pull the trigger on hybrids like the Escape hybrid?

SoCal Edison receives first Escape hybrid plug-in

Partnership to test plug-in hybrid vehicles

Ford is delivering the first of 20 Ford Escape hybrids that have been converted into plug-in hybrid vehicles to Southern California Edison. While the program is in its very early stages, it will eventually evolve into a program that will test Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Vehicle to Home (V2H) technologies.

The plug-in Escape hybrid can achieve about 30 miles on pure electric power using a 10 kWh lithium-ion battery pack developed my Johnson-Controls Saft.

(Source: GreenCarCongress)

Leno tests Ford's plug-in Escape hybrid

One of 20 test vehicles to test plug-in technology on California grid

Jay Leno was given the keys to a plug-in Ford Escape hybrid for a night as a preview to a Popular Mechanics' video shoot that will feature the Ford's newest plug-in hybrid.

"Jay seemed pumped up about the electric technology and how durable and reliable it is," says Executive Technical Leader Mike Tamor, who was among the four engineers to meet with Leno. "He said that the big challenge 100 years ago with the Baker Electric is the same challenge carmakers face today -- getting enough energy into the batteries to make the cars practical."

On a side note, I've noticed that Ford has started a new campaign for its hybrid vehicles, particularly the Escape hybrid, which I find quite smart. Essentially, the commercial points out that hybrids don't have to look unique to be great hybrids.

Ford is making all the right PR moves to stay in hybrid focus, but what I'd really like to see is a new Ford hybrid car.

Consumer Digest picks best hybrids

Ford dominates best hybrids?

According to consumer reports, the best hybrid vehicles based on behind-the-wheel testing, safety ratings, ownership costs warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities, are the Ford Escape hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid, Mercury Mariner hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

(Source: DetroitNews)

Xcel set to test plug-in hybrids, V2G

A Hybrids-Plus plug-in Toyota Prius

Xcel Energy is ramping up its effort to test 6 plug-in hybrid vehicles on its grid, including the impact of V2G technology. According to a recent press release, the 6 month test should begin before the end of the year.

"The goal is to determine how consumers can use the vehicles to significantly lower greenhouse gases, shore up electricity grid reliability and prove PHEVs are a viable alternative to today’s carbon-emitting cars."

Hybrids-Plus will provide 6 Ford Escape hybrid vehicles that have been converted into lithium-powered plug-in hybrid vehicles with an inverger that will interface with a V2 Green V2G Connectivity Module.

Lexus hybrid most fuel efficient luxury SUV

A great hybrid for luxury drivers

When it comes to hybrid cars and fuel economy, I probably hear more complaints about the Lexus RX400 h hybrid than any other hybrid vehicle. Of course, I always wonder, what were these buyers expecting from a luxury hybrid?

When push-comes-to-shove, for the performance it provides, the RX400 h is a great vehicle, and its performance in urban traffic makes it Forbes' Top Most Fuel Efficient Luxury SUV.

If you want the most fuel efficient SUV, pick up a Ford Escape hybrid. If you want a luxury SUV with good fuel economy, it's the RX400 h.

Is the Saturn Vue hybrid really the most fuel efficient SUV?

In combined city and highway driving, the Ford Escape hybrid is still the most fuel efficient SUV

Some have called the Saturn Vue hybrid the most fuel efficient SUV. Well, that's not exactly true. The Saturn Vue hybrid continues to be the most fuel efficient SUV, according to the EPA, on the highway. However, in city driving, the Ford Escape hybrid is significantly better than the Vue hybrid.

Thus, in combined city and highway driving, the Ford Escape hybrid is the overall Most Fuel Efficient SUV.

So, if fuel economy is your most important criterion for an SUV purchase, make sure to analyze your driving needs. Unless you are pure highway driver, the Escape hybrid will probably provide better fuel economy, but it will also cost a bit more. Of course, if you are a pure urban driver, then the Escape hybrid will provide a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to the Vue.

When GM adds its dual mode hybrid powertrain to the Vue hybrid, however, the Vue will truly will become the most fuel efficient of hybrid SUVs and all SUVs for that matter.

Joke: Department of Health and Human Service Fuel efficiency letter

Is it even an American-made hybrid?

When the Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to employees that included a list of the most fuel efficient automobiles in America, it was dominated by foreign cars, such as the Toyota Prius.

This caused a stir, especially at Chrysler, because it was deemed anti-American, when it was actually anti-gas-guzzling. Apparently, the truth is never supposed to hurt.

Nonetheless, the Department apologized. Now it has taken this apology further, and the Department is going to send another letter to employees.

In a letter dated Sept. 25 that Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township, received Wednesday," according to the DetroitNews, "Joe Ellis, the assistant secretary for administration and management, said his "staff is researching what this department is doing to support American manufacturers while increasing the number of fuel-efficient or hybrid fuel vehicles that are made by American companies. I think that is good information to share with our employees."

Good luck finding those hybrid vehicles. Thus far only one full hybrid vehicle is made in America, the Ford Escape hybrid. Of course it's built on leased Toyota hybrid technology, so Toyota is still being supported indirectly.

Yes, more American-made hybrids are coming, but the keywords there are 'are coming', although not from Chrysler anytime soon.

Escape hybrid: Hybrid of Presidents?

Top hybrid for Presidential candidates

The DetroitNews reported this weekend that Ford began running ads in New Hampshire and Washington "touting the fact that the Ford Escape Hybrid was the top choice of vehicles among presidential candidates."

GM, however, was quick to respond, 'Wait until the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and GMC Yukon hybrid become available for sale.'

Bold moves past Ford

As bold as Ford could get?

I like the Ford Escape hybrid, mostly because its a hybrid. When I first checked out the Escape hybrid, I was surprised that the Toyota Prius felt more roomy - that the Prius, even though it is smaller, offered almost as much hauling space as the Escape.

So, what's the point? A higher ride with significantly less fuel economy?

Instead of the Escape hybrid, a Fusion hybrid would have been much more of a bold move. Unfortunately, Ford just hasn't seemed capable of too many bold moves, and they know it.

"The decision has been made at Ford that "Bold Moves" as a brand strategy/ad tagline is dead. It's just a question of when the funeral takes place," writes BW's David Kiley.

Numerous times Ford has announced bold moves, such as a big increase in the production of hybrid vehicles, then backs down. Too bad. I think America was ready for something so bold.

I hate beating a downed dog but, I wonder what their new tagline will be, 'We will survive?'

Karl suggests Escape hybrid for SUV-loving environmentalists

A tool to fight enviro-hypocritism?

"I'll say it again," states Karl on Cars "if you drive a car with less than 25 mpg in mixed driving and claim to be an environmentalist you're simply a hypocrite. You need to carry cargo and people? The Escape Hybrid is rated at 36/31 mpg, fits five comfortably, offers 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity and costs less than $30,000. You need to tow things or carry even more people? Great, get a gold membership with Enterprise and rent what you need, when you need it (I'm betting it's less than a 10 times a year)."

Global Insight Analyst without a clue on hybrids

Toyota Camry hybrid on track to sell 60,000 units

"Owning a hybrid is all about saying 'Look at what I'm doing for the world'," says auto analyst John Wolkonowicz of Global Insight. "If you can't say that, the whole purchase is a waste of time."

So, why are so many buying the Camry hybrid? How many more would be buying the Camry hybrid if the full hybrid tax credit was available?

Just because Wolkonowicz has a small-minded personality that equates success with materialism doesn't mean all people do. John might not get it, but some people buy non-Prius hybrid vehicles because they believe in the technology and want to support it, not because they are trying to preach to the world.

When Camry hybrid, Highlander hybrid, Escape hybrid, Altima hybrid and Civic hybrid customers are combined, they make up a pretty significant percentage of hybrid buyers, around 50 percent in fact. So, half of all hybrid buyers are just 'wasting time'?

Maybe it's John's superficial insights into hybrid buyers that are the waste of time.

When it comes to the Prius, it's more fuel efficient than any other hybrid. It's cheaper than any other Toyota hybrid. Its design offers a huge amount of cargo space for a small car, especially when the back seats can be put down. More important, you can't compare its cost-effectiveness against its conventional counterpart - a non-hybrid Prius doesn't exist.

None of that matters to Prius buyers? Such an assumption is just plain clueless.

Ford Fusion hybrid closer to reality?

Available in late 2008?

Car&Driver was able to spy the upcoming Fusion hybrid, which should be offered as part of the redesigned 2009 model. Finally, an American automaker will offer a full hybrid sedan?

Early reports indicate that the Fusion hybrid will utilize the same hybrid powertrain as Ford's other hybrid vehicles, such as the Escape hybrid.

Hopefully, GM and Chrsyler will take note. Many hybrid buyers are simply not interested in SUVs, and making hybrid sedans is an important part of the hybrid mix.

Ford struggling with Escape hybrid demand

Something fishy going on at Ford?

Shopping for a Ford Escape hybrid isn't easy. You just can't find them. Sure, you can add your name to a list and race everyone down to the dealership when one comes in, or you can place a down payment on the next available Escape hybrid.

Still, what's the problem?

According to some reports, Ford says the problem has nothing to do with the production system.

That's a pretty sad answer from the automaker. It's not as if the hybrid Escape is just debuting. The vehicle has been around for years now, shouldn't Ford have a better grasp on demand and on meeting that demand?

If the automakers isn't committed to selling its hybrid vehicles, perhaps it should stop selling them.

LS 600h L hybrid - a "new standard in automotive hyperbole"

Luxury hybrids gone really, really bad?

There are a number of reasons that the Toyota Prius is the best selling hybrid vehicle, but one of the main ones is incredible fuel economy. Ultimately, great fuel economy is one of the biggest drivers of the consumers of hybrid cars, and Toyota has nailed this target audience with both the Prius and the Camry hybrid.

Toyota's Lexus division, however, hasn't been so focused on fuel economy. For example, a V8 with V12 power, such as the Lexus LS 600h L?

"Behind its green Teflon shield," Lawrence Ulrich writes in the NYTimes regarding his recent test drive, "the Lexus proved to be just another overstuffed sedan that can barely top 20 miles a gallon — less, if you actually tap into all that power. If that’s saving the planet, Jor-El had better prepare the escape pod before it’s too late."

"I can’t believe that adding a cupful of electric juice to a fat barrel of V-8 muscle is what environmentalists have in mind."

Finish reading Conspicuous Consumption With Green Illusions at the NYTimes.

Despite hype, Ford plug-in hybrids a decade away?

You won't plug-it in anytime soon

On Friday I reported that Ford and SoCal Edison were going to announce a partnership on plug-in hybrid vehicles. While that partnership was confirmed, the fact that plug-ins might be a decade from mass-produced reality was also confirmed.

"Within five to ten years we will start to see this technology in our hands," Mulally said at an event to mark a partnership between Ford and Southern California Edison to explore the feasibility of the rechargeable electric vehicles.

Hopefully, Ford can produce a few new hybrid cars between now and then, rather than just Ford Escape hybrid derivatives.

(Source: Reuters)