Ford Escape Hybrid

In June 2005, the City of Pickering purchased a Ford Escape Hybrid.  Based on the success of this initiative the City has purchased an additional 4 hybrid vehicles.  The Ford Escape Hybrid can be powered by either the gasoline engine or the electric motor, or by both working together.

The operation of the vehicle can be separated into four stages:

1. As you slow to a stop, the gas engine turns off to save fuel, but the engine continues in the electric position.
2. The electric motor will power the vehicle up to 40 km/hr; therefore as you travel through subdivisions, are in heavy traffic or are stopped you are not burning fossil fuels. It is important to note that more greenhouse gases are produced during slow or stop & go driving and this is typically when traditional gasoline engines are least efficient.
3. As you increase the vehicle speed past 40km/hr, the vehicle automatically and smoothly transitions into using the gas engine. The gasoline engine of the hybrid is used when the vehicle is at a higher speed where it can operate with the least amount of harmful greenhouse gas emissions being produced. 
4. As you come to a stop, the electric motor and regenerative braking system capture the energy that would normally be wasted; when the brakes are activated, the electric motor converts the vehicle's momentum into electric energy. This energy is then stored in the battery for later use.

Something to Consider
A traditional combustion engine with a battery-electric component gives the hybrid the driving range and rapid refuelling option of a conventional vehicle, together with energy and environmental benefits.

In general, the hybrid-electric vehicle will produce 28 percent less emissions than a conventional gasoline vehicle and reduce fuel consumption by 50 percent!