The Very First American Made Hybrid Was The Ford Escape

The Ford Escape had the classification for being the first American-made hybrid car. Initially scheduled for launch in 2003, the vehicle was officially launched in 2004. It is a true electric hybrid vehicle that can run on gasoline, electric motor or both. Ford engineered the Escape to keep a good balance between performance and fuel economy. Per 15,000 miles it creates 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.

The SUV was the preferred type of vehicle back then in the U.S. so it was natural for Ford to make the first hybrid an SUV. This Ford hybrid was basically made to look like another SUV so it doesn't really stand out. Unlike the Honda Insight, consumers did not react badly to the design of the Ford Escape. The American consumer was delighted with performance as well as the improved gas mileage of the Ford Escape. The EPA tested gas mileage of the Ford Escape and it was 34/31 mpg making it 30% better than similar SUV's in its class. It is then the best selection for shoppers who prefer a crossover vehicle with a good green value. The the merger of the 153 horsepower four-cylinder gas engine together with electric motor gives the Escape its good fuel economy.

The changeable transmission happens to be continuous due to the set of two generators and motors. As a result, the Escape Hybrid has the potential to travel for 40 miles at 25 mph on absolute battery power. The available all-wheel drive is presented in a rare way, by splitting power between the wheels using a mechanical differential. The majority of hybrids do it in that way employing electric motors. For that reason, a new Escape exceeds at off-road driving than other hybrid crossovers. It is extremely dependable in different sorts of weather because of the 8.5 inches of ground clearance. The body structure dates back to 2001, which is one disadvantage to the Escape Hybrid, because it doesn't have the bounding, softer ride of the gas-only version.

Even though the back-seat leg room is slightly tight for an SUV, it does have excellent viewing areas, and ample head room. Instead of looking like a car or crossover, the interior of the Ford Escape is a lot like the Ford Explorer truck. The new entertainment package was updated in 2010 and it features SYNC voice command capabilities. It also has the choice of Sirius Travel link for news over satellite radio and HD radio.

If you are looking for an American hybrid that is a SUV then the Ford Escape is one place to start. Even though it may not have the best fuel consumption compared to other hybrids, it has considerably more room.


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