Electricnick, The EV Revolution

We like the Ford Escape hybrid, HEV.  It makes sense and has great mileage for an SUV.

The gist is that so far, Ford wins the mileage performance when it comes to hybrid SUVs.  34mpg in city driving is something some HEV sedans can barely do.  The 2010 version promises a few upgrades.

2010 Escape Hybrid Upgrades.  The 2010 edition of Ford’s Escape hybrid will receive a few interesting improvements, mainly its software and battery.  According to AutoBlogGreen, the company is upgrading the drivetrain of the Escape and also the Mariner, the more luxurious Lincoln version that is based on some developments made for the Fusion/Milan HEVs.

Technically Speaking.  The Escape/Mariner are getting the same updated nickel metal hydride batteries that offer 20% more power.  What does this mean?  The weight and also displacement should be reduced, which means the SUVs could, technically also squeeze in a few more miles per gallon.

The transmission also benefit from the Fusion/Milan, the difference being the Escape/Mariner’s electric motors and gearing are optimized for their weight.  The electric drive speed jumps to 44 mph, up from 40.   Strangely enough, the EPA mileage estimates remain the same, 34mpg in the city, 31 on the highway.

What is surprising here is that with these improvements, the raw 20% more efficiency in the battery pack with less weight and higher electric only speed, you would imagine the mileage went up a little.  We believe many hypermilers will find ways to raise those numbers.  In the meantime, we can say good job.