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Difference between revisions of "Escape PHEV"
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| − | + | =Introduction= | |
| − | + | The Ford Escape Hybrid is the first commercially available SUV HEV. | |
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| + | It uses a [[Series-Parallel]] powertrain similar to the [[Toyota Prius]]. While Ford used some of Toyota's HEV patents, the Escape was designed independently of the Prius, and therefore its technical details are very different from the Prius. Algorithms and codes used in Prius PHEV conversion are useless in Escape PHEV conversion. | ||
| − | The | + | The Escape lends itself to PHEV conversion, because it is a strong HEV, meaning that its electric motor is capable of a significant portion of its traction. |
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| + | More information about the non-PHEV Escape is found in the [[Ford_Escape_Hybrid | Escape]] page. | ||
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| + | =PHEV conversions= | ||
| + | Escape PHEV conversions are bound to be even more expensive than Prius conversions, as SUVs are inefficient vehicles, and much more energy must be stored in batteries to give them any significant electric range. | ||
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| + | A major push towards conversion of the Escape came from [http://nyserda.org/ NYSERDA]'s [http://www.nyserda.org/includes/funding_content_pop.asp?i=PON%201088 New York State Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Technology Initiative], whose Phase 1 granted contracts to 3 companies to convert the Escape. | ||
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| + | These companies are working on Escape PHEV conversions. No one has yet announced pricing nor availability to the general public. | ||
| + | * [[Hymotion]], first one to announce a conversion, offered just to fleets; winner of a NYSERDA contract to make 1 conversion | ||
| + | * [[Hybrids-Plus]], winner of a NYSERDA contract to make 1 conversion | ||
| + | * [http://www.electrovaya.com/ Electrovaya], winner of a NYSERDA contract to make 1 conversion | ||
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| + | Individuals have also converted Escape SUVs. | ||
| + | *Jim Bohorquez of [http://mesapower.com/ Mesa Power] was converted a standard Ford Escape (not a Hybrid) to a parallel PHEV, by disconnecting the rear axle from the engine and driving it with an electric motor. The motor is powered with NiMH cells recycled from Prius PHEV conversions. The battery is charged exclusively from the power grid, through a Mesa Power UPS charger. | ||
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| + | =Criticism= | ||
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| + | Anecdotal evidence gathered by [Hybrids Plus]' sales department shows that SUV owners' main rationale to wanting to convert a Hybrid SUV to PHEV is environmental. Yet, an [http://www.nrel.gov/ NREL] study shows that the environment would be better served by people driving an efficient, standard sedan than an SUV, albeit a PHEV one. The availability of PHEV SUVs would actually be environmentally more harmful than not having them, as it would allow more and more drivers to use a false environmental rationale to continue buying SUVs over buying more efficient sedans. | ||
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| + | =Tech info= | ||
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| + | This page compiles the [[Escape_PHEV_TechInfo | Technical info on the Escape Hybrid]] useful for PHEV conversions. | ||
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[[Category:Escape PHEV]] | [[Category:Escape PHEV]] | ||
Revision as of 14:41, 24 December 2006
Introduction
The Ford Escape Hybrid is the first commercially available SUV HEV.
It uses a Series-Parallel powertrain similar to the Toyota Prius. While Ford used some of Toyota's HEV patents, the Escape was designed independently of the Prius, and therefore its technical details are very different from the Prius. Algorithms and codes used in Prius PHEV conversion are useless in Escape PHEV conversion.
The Escape lends itself to PHEV conversion, because it is a strong HEV, meaning that its electric motor is capable of a significant portion of its traction.
More information about the non-PHEV Escape is found in the Escape page.
PHEV conversions
Escape PHEV conversions are bound to be even more expensive than Prius conversions, as SUVs are inefficient vehicles, and much more energy must be stored in batteries to give them any significant electric range.
A major push towards conversion of the Escape came from NYSERDA's New York State Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Technology Initiative, whose Phase 1 granted contracts to 3 companies to convert the Escape.
These companies are working on Escape PHEV conversions. No one has yet announced pricing nor availability to the general public.
- Hymotion, first one to announce a conversion, offered just to fleets; winner of a NYSERDA contract to make 1 conversion
- Hybrids-Plus, winner of a NYSERDA contract to make 1 conversion
- Electrovaya, winner of a NYSERDA contract to make 1 conversion
Individuals have also converted Escape SUVs.
- Jim Bohorquez of Mesa Power was converted a standard Ford Escape (not a Hybrid) to a parallel PHEV, by disconnecting the rear axle from the engine and driving it with an electric motor. The motor is powered with NiMH cells recycled from Prius PHEV conversions. The battery is charged exclusively from the power grid, through a Mesa Power UPS charger.
Criticism
Anecdotal evidence gathered by [Hybrids Plus]' sales department shows that SUV owners' main rationale to wanting to convert a Hybrid SUV to PHEV is environmental. Yet, an NREL study shows that the environment would be better served by people driving an efficient, standard sedan than an SUV, albeit a PHEV one. The availability of PHEV SUVs would actually be environmentally more harmful than not having them, as it would allow more and more drivers to use a false environmental rationale to continue buying SUVs over buying more efficient sedans.
Tech info
This page compiles the Technical info on the Escape Hybrid useful for PHEV conversions.
