Ford Escape PHEV claims 100 MPGe fuel economy rating and 37 miles drive per charge

KUALA LUMPUR: Ford recently pulled the wraps off the plug-in hybrid iteration of the Escape compact crossover, which features the impressive fuel-economy figures. It received 100 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) combined fuel economy rating, which is equal to 42.5 kmpl. Such numbers put the crossover at the top of its class.

The all-new Escape PHEV will be able to cover 37 miles (60 km) on battery power alone, and hundreds more for long-distance using its traditional engine. 

Under the hood, it carries the same 2.6-litre Atkinson cycle hybrid unit that is paired with a liquid-cooled 14.4-kWh lithium-ion battery placed beneath the second-row seats. The engine produces 198 PS of power and 283 Nm of torque. For optimizing driving experience, the PHEV has four different driving modes - Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge.

The plug-in hybrid Escape takes 11 hours to charge when using a 110 volt Level 1 charger, while the time reduces to 3.5 hours with a 240 volt Level 2 charger. The model comes standard with an advanced driver assistance system, including features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering, a voice-activated navigation system, and evasive steering assist. However, the plug-in option is not available on certain trims.

“The original Ford Escape was the world’s first hybrid SUV, and the all-new Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid represents how far we’ve come in technology and efficiency. It has more power and more passenger space than the Fusion Energi plug-in, as well as up to four times the cargo volume behind its second-row seats,” ” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer.

He further added, “The economic and environmental impacts of this virus have created a roller coaster for consumers looking to balance value, need and efficiency going forward. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is that ideal balance our customers want.”

The 2020 Escape plug-in hybrid is expected to hit US showrooms this summer at a starting price of $33,040 (RM 140,698), excluding destination charges. The model is also qualified for a $6,800 (RM 28,893) federal tax credit. The automaker does not sell the crossover in Malaysia, but we do hope that its success might bring it here.

Also read: Ford-Volkswagen teamed up, next-gen VW Amarok to be underpinned by Ranger pickup