Mass Media iBuzz » Ford Escape Hybrid

Car? SUV? No, it’s Super-Hybrid!

iTwister — Sat, 23 Jul 2005 03:14:27 +0000

Out there on the highway. It’s a car! It’s an SUV!

No, it’s Super-Hybrid!

So might go the hoopla surrounding the hottest vehicle on America’s roads: the hybrid.

The name comes from its twin engines, one a jazzy, futuristic electric motor, the other a rather conventional gasoline-powered version. The electric motor powers the car for normal stop-and-go driving. The gas, or internal combustion, engine supplies additional power when needed, at higher speeds, and also generates electricity for the electric motor.

In some cars, when you coast or go down hill, the electric motor acts as a generator and recharges the battery. All this hypes your gas mileage and reduces polluting emissions — two admirable goals.

But what is the future for the hybrids? How big a share of the U.S. auto market are they likely to conquer? And, most important, are they good buys now?

The quick answer is that they are indeed worthwhile purchases — if you are willing to spend several thousand dollars more per car in order to make a contribution to the environment in return for some benefits.

Among them, say the car makers, are benefits to your image. The manufacturers say the hybrid drivers are considered to be people on technology’s cutting edge, who are trendy, cool and eco-friendly.

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Polk County Florida to get Hybrid Ford Escapes

iTwister — Mon, 09 May 2005 12:35:59 +0000

Polk County is joining some other metro Orlando governments that have gone green.

More and more people are realizing the benefits of electric vehicles.

Five colorful hybrid Ford Escapes, known for getting better gas mileage and emitting less pollution, will debut in Polk this week.

“The county has never done any sort of alternative fuel initiative,” said Bob Stanton, Polk County’s fleet management director. “The Escapes are giving us the opportunity to enter that arena and determine if it’s a good deal for the citizens.”

The county paid about $24,600 for each of the hybrid sport utility vehicles, which will be used in multiple departments including the building division. Vehicles in that department usually log about 15,000 miles annually.

The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

iTwister — Fri, 06 May 2005 11:23:32 +0000

Ford is set to announce the new Ford Escape Hybrid. It’s the first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid.

They say there is no compromise as the Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly and offers all the features you’d expect from the SUV leader. It’s roomy, comfortable seating for five, has a versatile cargo area, and an optional Intelligent 4WD System which offers the same all-weather traction and off-road capability available in traditional Escape models.

Gas Mileage is estimated at 36 city and 31 highway which is much better than current Ford Escapes. Prices are said to be:
Front Wheel Drive MSRP starting at $26,970
Four Wheel Drive MSRP starting at $28,595

Ford’s website still say it’s scheduled for sale late summer 2004, however we are well into 2005 and haven’t seen it yet.

Technoratied: Ford, Escape Hybrid, SUV, Electric Car