Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Technology Overview and Benefits

HEVs are powered by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor with a battery system. The key benefit of HEVs is reduced fuel consumption: When they are powered by the electric motor and battery system, they do not burn gasoline. In most instances at low speeds and for short distances, Ford hybrids run exclusively on electricity. At higher speeds, and when more power is needed, the gasoline engine kicks in.

All of our hybrid vehicles use Ford’s powersplit architecture, meaning they can run exclusively on battery power, exclusively on gas power or on a combination of both to deliver the best overall fuel efficiency. Ford hybrids also feature a Regenerative Braking System. Unlike a traditional gasoline engine in which the energy generated by braking is lost, this innovative technology enables Ford hybrids to capture braking energy normally lost and use it to help recharge the battery.

In the past our HEVs used nickel-metal-hydride batteries. The HEVs we now produce use more advanced lithium ion batteries. For more detail on our battery technologies, please see Battery Technologies.

Our new HEVs feature additional technology improvements, including:

• Electric motors capable of operating at higher electric speeds,
• Optimized gear ratios, allowing for improvements in fuel economy,
• More precise controls to deliver higher levels of refinement as the powertrain transitions between engine and electric drive, and
• Reduced weight to help increase fuel economy.

Our new hybrids also have a suite of driver information systems to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency. For more information on these technologies, please see Helping Drivers Improve Fuel Efficiency with Information Technology.

Deployment

We are currently increasing our hybrid volume and preparing for hybrid capability across our highest-volume global product platforms.

In 2013-14, in the U.S. we offer the C‑MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid, both of which were launched in 2012, and the Lincoln MKZ hybrid. The C‑MAX hybrid is one of three electrified vehicle options on our C-platform; the others are the Focus Electric battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the C‑MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The C‑MAX Hybrid uses Ford’s powersplit hybrid architecture, with improved fuel efficiency and a lighter, smaller lithium ion battery system. The Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, underscoring Ford’s commitment to giving customers the “power of choice” in fuel-efficient technologies. In 2014, we plan to introduce a hybrid version of Ford Mondeo in Europe.