Ford Escape Hybrid

[superrangerman2002]

Originally Posted by bananaboat

Yes, Ford paid Toy for patent use. The downside is if Ford uses the CVT similar to Toy and if it has the very noticeable shift from gas to electric and vice versa as the Toy hybrid displays. The hybrid will cost more so you've got to drive awhile before you get the payback in mpgs. The battery pack costs around $3k to replace but manufacturers such as Honda believe the cost will go down to around $1k assuming hybrids cause volume production of battery packs.

Dont underestimate the ingenutity of the American engineers.

Jobberman hit it square on the head.

[Tadashi]

Originally Posted by bananaboat

Yes, Ford paid Toy for patent use. The downside is if Ford uses the CVT similar to Toy and if it has the very noticeable shift from gas to electric and vice versa as the Toy hybrid displays. The hybrid will cost more so you've got to drive awhile before you get the payback in mpgs. The battery pack costs around $3k to replace but manufacturers such as Honda believe the cost will go down to around $1k assuming hybrids cause volume production of battery packs.

I was told at the factory at KC (tour for KSU class) that the batteries will have a lifetime warranty. What other costs are associated with having a hybrid? Sounds like for the escape between the state and federal tax write offs and the fuel economy it is an excellent buy for a commuter car.

[MISCAB]

I just saw an episode of Autoweek (?) on Speed TV this week that showed the Chevy/GMC Hybrid truck. It has a device between the engine and the tranny that will charge the battery pack while driving and will shut the engine off when the vehicle is idle (at stop lights, etc.) for more than a minute. When the gas pedal is depressed again the truck will start back up and continue (reminded me of a gas golf cart).

As stated earlier, it should net a 1 to 2 mpg gain and is aimed more at the commercial/fleet market. One of the added features is it has a/c power outlets (I guess using an inverter) in the bed for contrators using power tools.

Funny, while shopping for a new vehicle recently, not one sales person even mentioned the Hybrid coming out this summer. Bummer.

[jobberman]

Why would sales person mention for 1-2 mpg? Not going to get anyone other than a commercial fleet opertor to fork over extra cash for that.

[KaaYooN]

i built these hybrids, a long time ago......THere good stuff. The transmission charges the batteries and its the starter. When the motor shuts off you cant even tell the vehicle is running. Its real peppy, because when you get on it the electric motor acts like an assist.....the rear battery is huge but you cant tell its there. Its in the rear trunk area, so you dont loose any room at all.