With our hybrid vehicles, we're leading the way in providing drivers with a way to save at the pump and reduce the environmental impact of driving.
A Nationwide Movement
In early 2005, San Francisco was the first city to feature gas-electric hybrid-powered taxis, choosing to use Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles. Later that year, New York City added a small fleet of Escape Hybrid taxis based on the New York City Council decision to pass the Clean Air Taxis Act.
In June 2006, Ford embarked on a nationwide tour promoting the advantages of the use of Escape Hybrids for taxi service. Since then, Chicago and Austin have also introduced Escape Hybrids into their taxi fleets.
Taxi Drivers Save at the Pump
With hundreds of thousands of miles accumulated over the past two years in New York City, there has been an estimated fuel savings of $250,000 for the initial fleet of 18 Escape Hybrid taxis. With 288 Escape Hybrids now in taxi service throughout the city, drivers are reporting that the hybrids are delivering on the durability requirements and fuel-saving advantages that make them a great choice for taxi use.
According to one San Francisco cab driver, driving an Escape Hybrid saves him up to $30 per shift. Working four shifts a week for a year could equal savings of more than $6,000.
Why Escape Hybrids?
Fuel efficient and comfortable, Ford Escape Hybrids are a great choice for taxi fleets nationwide. The following are among the reasons cities (and individuals) are choosing Ford Escape Hybrid:
- Most Fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth: EPA rated at 34 miles per gallon in city driving, the front-wheel drive Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on earth, and can provide drivers 500 miles to a tank.
- Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Certified: Escape Hybrid dramatically reduces smog-forming emissions, as it meets the cleanest emissions standard available for a vehicle that uses fossil fuels — California's AT-PZEV standard. Over 100,000 miles Escape Hybrid will conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas over a traditional cab, effectively preventing 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
- Reliable and Durable: Escape Hybrid is proving to be remarkably durable, capable of surviving around-the-clock use in one of the most severe driving conditions any vehicle will face. This durability is backed by a standard 8-year / 100,000-mile limited warranty for unique hybrid components, including the battery pack.
- Highest Tax Credits: Because the real world fuel economy of Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids increased for the 2008 model year, the Federal income tax credits available now are $3,000 for FWD models (up $400) and $2,200 on 4WD models (up $250). The Ford and Mercury Hybrids now have the highest tax credit of any hybrid — up to $900 more than the closest competitor. For both vehicles, the new EPA-certified fuel economy for FWD models is 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and 29 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for AWD models.
- Insurance Discounts: Travelers, one of the largest providers of personal insurance products in the United States, offers hybrid drivers in the states of California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia and Washington discounts of up to 10 percent on certain coverages. The company estimates their hybrid policy business grew by 200 percent in 2006.