Thread: The First American Made Hybrid

The First American Made Hybrid Was The Ford Escape




The Ford Escape had the distinction of being the first American-made hybrid car. It was scheduled to be released in 2003, but the public release didn't happen until 2004. It was then, and is still now, a fully hybrid electric vehicle, and it can run on an electric motor, or with gasoline, or with both. It was designed to meet the demand set by the drivers for optimal performance and fuel consumption. For every 15,000 miles it produces less than one pound of smog-forming pollutants, which is significantly less than light truck average of 105 pounds, and average cars of 67 pounds.


Ford did a clever thing by making its first hybrid as an SUV, which is considered as very American. This Ford hybrid looks like a normal car and has the performance capabilities, also. It didn't have the image-problem that Honda had with their first hybrid. American buyers were also impressed with Ford Escape and its improved fuel economy usage. It is rated 34/31 mpg by the EPA, which is more efficient than its gas-only counterparts by 30%. This makes it the right choice for shoppers who want a crossover vehicle with a good green value. The benefits in gas-mileage are produced with a four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower and gas-powered, that is combined with batteries and motors.


It has a continuously variable transmission because of a set of motors and generators. The Escape Hybrid, because of this setup, can run up to 25 mph on batteries alone, with a range of 40 miles. The optional all-wheel drive is delivered in a rare way, by splitting power between the wheels using a mechanical differential. Most other hybrids do the same, but use the electric motors. Because of this, the Escape is better than other hybrid crossovers in off-road capabilities. It also is better in all kinds of weather, due to its 8.5 inches of ground clearance. The body structure dates back to 2001, which is one downside to the Escape Hybrid, because it doesn't have the bounding, softer ride of the gas-only version.


Some of the strong selling points of the Escape include the big glass areas and the visibility that brings, and lots of head room, even though the back-seat leg room isn't that good. It looks a lot like the first Ford Explorer, and has an interior that looks more like a truck than a crossover. The entertainment features were updated in 2010 to have its SYNC controller, which controls phone and audio with voice commands. Sirius Travel Link can be used to get lots of information over satellite-radio, and a HD Radio is available.


If you are looking for an American hybrid that is a SUV then the Ford Escape is one place to start. It might not be as economical as some of the hybrid cars, but you will have more room.