The hybrid-electric Ford Escape is being designed to be the cleanest, most fuel-efficient SUV for its debut in 2003.
A - Traction inverter module
B - Nickel/metal-hydride battery
C - Four-cylinder gasoline engine
D - Combinatin motor/generator
E - Super-ultra-low emissions
F - Four-wheel regenerative braking
The 2001 Escape offers as an option a 3.0-L, 24-valve Duratec V6 engine.
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The U.S. audience's wild infatuation with 4x4s could further intensify when the world's first production hybrid electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) premieres. "Expect the most fuel-efficient, clean-emissions SUV on the planet with the debut of the Ford Escape HEV in 2003," said Rick Eagle, member of Ford Motor Co.'s Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team. The Escape HEV is projected to score 5.9 L/100 km (40 mpg) city driving fuel economy as a four-cylinder 4x4 with an automatic transmission. The SUV will qualify under California's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and EU 4 European emissions ratings.
With technology lessons learned from Ford's P2000 Prodigy hybrid electric sedan work as well as Volvo's Dual Hybrid Electric System for Increased Efficiency and Economy program, which includes two hybrid-electric concept vehicles, the Escape HEV will feature advanced regenerative braking, electric motor, and an energy storage battery. "The charge-sustaining battery will weigh about 50 kg (110 lb)," Eagle said. "Package details are still being worked out, but it won't affect the ground clearance of 20 cm (7.8 in) or interior space."
Compared to the heaviest 2001 Escape, 1568 kg (3457 lb) for the V6 engine 4x4, Escape HEV's weight gain is estimated at 57 kg (125 lb). "Total weight gain—with all hybrid components—will be a maximum one-weight class increase," Eagle said. The HEV's internal-combustion engine will be similar in displacement to Escape's current four-cylinder gasoline engine. "It will be based on a conventional engine with only minor modifications, and hybrid performance compares to V6-like acceleration."
Escape HEV was adapted from the 2001 unibody Escape. The nonhybrid Escape is offered with two engine choices: the 2.0-L, 16-valve Zetec I-4 producing 97 kW (130 hp) at 5400 rpm and 183 N•m (135 lb•ft) torque at 4500 rpm; and the 3.0-L, 24-valve Duratec V6 producing 149 kW (200 hp) at 6000 rpm and 271 N•m (200 lb•ft) at 4750 rpm. Both engines were developed for passenger car applications. The V6 has modifications to match NVH, durability, and performance requirements needed for SUV application. The Escape-adapted V6 has a composite manifold, saving more than 2.3 kg (5 lb) from the passenger car cast-aluminum manifold. The chain drive is smaller for the Escape V6, with its front cover re-shaped from a flat surface to a complex shape. The Escape V6 gets an oil pan with higher strength alloy aluminum, deeper ribbing, and more aluminum components.
The four-door Escape for 2001 is Ford's first entry into the sub-compact SUV segment. Industry-wide, the small SUV accounted for 500,000-plus units in 1999. "We think 500,000 units is just the beginning," said Derrick Kuzak, Escape's Vehicle Line Director. The small SUV segment currently claims about 15% of the overall SUV market in the U.S. In 1999, all SUV classes tallied 3.1 million units.
The 2001 Ford Escape's base price, including destination and delivery charges, is $18,160. Left-hand-drive Escape (and eventually Escape HEV) will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO. Right-hand-drive Escapes will be built in Japan. Ford will market the vehicle in more than 150 countries.
Kami Buchholz
AEI June 2000
