Looking Beyond The Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Focus ST
Ford fans, especially those interested in hybrid and/or electric technology, know that the automaker is working diligently to move forward in this arena, pursuing a number of different avenues to reach their goal.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid represent the second group of passenger vehicles that Ford has developed featuring hybrid technology (utilizing nickel-cadmium batteries), joining the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid which recently celebrated their fifth anniversary of production.
Rolling Out Lithium-Ion Batteries
At some point, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the three other Ford and Mercury branded vehicles currently utilizing nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries are expected to make the switch over to lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries. Li-ion batteries have a number of advantages including an improved energy density, twice that of NiCads. However, aging and other issues are some of the unknowns related to this technology which means that its long term usability still isn’t clear.
Nevertheless, a number of automotive manufacturers are pursuing li-ion technology, racing to become the first manufacturer to mass produce a vehicle with these types of batteries. Right now, the limited production Tesla Roadster uses li-ion batteries as will the upcoming Fisker Karma sport sedan.
What Ford Has Planned
Ford will embrace the new technology and has ambitious plans to take a leadership role by offering the following:
All Electric Transit Connect — Imported from Europe, the Transit Connect will do to the entry level commercial van market what the Ford E Class did for big vans. Moreover, Ford is working with a British battery supplier to produce a limited number of pure electric Transit Connects beginning next year. Yes, the Transit Connect EV will likely beat Nissan’s own electric sedan to the market in 2010, by at least a few months.
Ford Focus EV — In keeping with its plans to bring the European Focus (pictured) to the United States, Ford is converting an assembly plant in Wayne, MI to produce its global compact car. Ford just announced that beginning in 2011, an electric Focus will also be produced, becoming the first pure electric passenger vehicle from the automaker.
Next Generation Hybrid — Although fairly mum on this point, Ford says that its next generation hybrid vehicle will roll out in 2012. I believe that this means that the current Fusion/Milan will switch from NiCad to li-ion batteries, particularly if the earlier Transit Connect and Ford Focus models prove to be a success.
First Ever PHEV — Ford is currently testing its plug-in hybrid Escape or Escape PHEV, a vehicle with an extended electric range. Ford says it is possible for drivers to get around 100 mpg with its PHEV; I believe this means that the technology will find its way into the next generation Escape/Mariner.
The New Face Of Ford
When all is said and done, the Ford line up will look vastly different than it does now as the automaker shifts from producing big trucks and sport/utility vehicles to smaller, lighter and much more environmentally friendly vehicles.
You’ll still be able to buy your F-150 or Taurus, but the bulk of Ford, Mercury and Lincoln sales will be those involving vehicles currently sold in Europe and those featuring hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric engineering technology.
Photo courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.
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It’ll be interesting to see how the Lithium-Ion bats hold up. Torque is great wit electric motors, the biggest drawback is the batteries
Taylor, torque is terrific with electric batteries but I agree — no one knows for certain how the lithium ion batteries will perform under street and long term conditions. Advanced testing is proving positive, but the longer you go out the greater the unknown at least for now.
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I think with increase in demand for Hybrid cars manufacturers are focusing on improving the technology of the hybrid systems. I think Ford is doing a lot in Hybrid vehicle segment. It was wonderful to know that Ford is coming up with Electric version of Ford Focus.