Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

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Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Ford C-MAX Hybrid

Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by a traditional internal combustion engine and battery power to deliver improved fuel economy.

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.

Our past HEVs used nickel metal hydride batteries. The HEVs we are launching now 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
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 the fall of 2012, we launched our newest HEV, the all-new C-MAX Hybrid. This is one of three electrified vehicle options on our C-platform; the others are the Focus Electric BEV and the C-MAX Energi PHEV. The C-MAX Hybrid uses Ford’s powersplit hybrid architecture, with improved fuel efficiency and a lighter, smaller lithium ion battery system.

With the launch of the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi, Ford becomes North America’s largest maker of hybrid transmissions.

Also in 2012, we launched a hybrid version of the newly redesigned Ford Fusion. 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. The new Fusion Hybrid features an all-new 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, which is significantly downsized from the previous 2.5L unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain delivers fuel economy of 47 mpg in city and highway driving. We also continue to offer a hybrid electric version of the Lincoln MKZ.