After about a year delay due to development challenges, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid will be built in Claycomo, Missouri, beginning next summer. A determination to perform the core engineering itself, rather than adopt a drivetrain from large-scale hybrid producers Honda or Toyota, contributed to a postponement from the initial 2003 on-sale target. This strategy has allowed Ford to gain the engineering experience, and related technology ownership, of creating its own system.
Escape Hybrid is a full hybrid electric vehicle able to run either on its gasoline or its electric motor, or both together, based on driver demand to optimize performance and fuel economy. It will deliver acceleration similar to a V-6 Escape but will be extremely fuel-efficient - between 35 and 40 mpg in stop-and-go city driving. It never will need to be plugged in. Emissions will be extremely clean - Escape Hybrid will be certified to PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards.
"Ford Escape Hybrid is a no-compromise solution that helps to deliver on Ford's promise to work toward a better world," said Phil Martens, group vice president, Product Creation. "It will offer four-wheel-drive and uncompromised cargo capacity and ground clearance, while cleverly packaging a large battery pack. It will be the first go-anywhere HEV."
Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid will be built on the same line at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Initially anticipated to be the first hybrid SUV on sale in America, the Lexus RX-derived hybrid will go on sale at approximately the same time.