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Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think?

23 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2008 at 5:55 AM

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#19 of 23 Re: Reverse problem with Escape Hybrid [patmck152] by stevedebi May 14, 2008 (1:46 pm)
Replying to: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 11:18 am) "So can anyone please help me out on this issue--what's the scoop on this Hybrid not being able to backup properly?? "   The 2009 does not use a 6 speed transmission. It has the same planetary gearset as the current model.   The reverse power is provided only by the electric motors, which have about 40 HP. There is no capability to directly harness the energy of the gasoline engine to move the vehicle backwards. So if you are trying to back a trailer up an incline, the FEH would be rather under powered.   If you are considering towing, the FEH is not the best choice in any case. Replies to this message: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 6:10 pm) mecheng1 (May 15, 2008 5:34 am) stevedebi (May 15, 2008 2:32 pm) mecheng1 (May 16, 2008 5:55 am)
#20 of 23 Re: Reverse problem with Escape Hybrid [stevedebi] by patmck152 May 14, 2008 (6:10 pm)
Replying to: stevedebi (May 14, 2008 1:46 pm) Thanks for your reply stevedebi.   Honestly, until I read z28gurl's post, it never crossed my mind to even think of a 'backup problem' with the FEH! I'm still in shock about this discovery as I now can't buy an Escape Hybrid like I'd planned to do this summer. I'd be outraged to be stuck in the middle of nowhere because I couldn't back up an incline! I'm amazed that Ford would even sell a vehicle that can't drive in reverse properly. And I'm not talking about towing anything behind me--just a normal backup going uphill!   None of the so-called expert reviews that I've read on various sites mention this major design flaw(or omission) and the consequences it would have for a driver under certain driving conditions.   Since posting my question I've read some other posts by Escape Hybrid owners who have had the same backup problems(http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f26/reverse-steep-driveways-6441/).   Do you think Ford will correct this problem in the future or is this problem something that will always be a part of the FEH??   Thanks Replies to this message: mecheng1 (May 15, 2008 5:34 am) stevedebi (May 15, 2008 2:32 pm) mecheng1 (May 16, 2008 5:55 am)
#21 of 23 Re: Reverse problem with Escape Hybrid [patmck152] by mecheng1 May 15, 2008 (5:34 am)
Replying to: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 6:10 pm) The design trade-off the engineers made to simplify the eCVT and provide electric-only reverse has not been seen as a "problem" or a "major design flaw" by an overwhelming majority of those who own the FEH/MMH/MTH. The Toyota Highlander has as similar issue with the traction control software that limits power to the electric-only rear wheels when they slip in the driveway in snow/ice conditions. [ check out the reports of the HiHy's getting stuck ]   I have never had a problem having enough power to move the FEH backwards up steep hills. I have not tried it backward over rocks or curbs - on hills.   If towing or offroading is a top priority - stick with the V6 and the 19 mpg.
#22 of 23 Re: Reverse problem with Escape Hybrid [patmck152] by stevedebi May 15, 2008 (2:32 pm)
Replying to: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 6:10 pm) "Do you think Ford will correct this problem in the future or is this problem something that will always be a part of the FEH?? "   I hope you noticed that while the ICE cannot power the wheels directly, it can provide electric energy to the motors that reverse the FEH. So the situation is not as bad as my first post may have indicated.   As to the technical question, I'm not sure if it could be changed. However, I imagine not so long as they continue with the current "planetary gearset" design. If the ICE could have spun the wheels in reverse I'm sure they would have implemented it that way. Electric motors are easy to reverse - just reverse the current - but it may have been difficult or impossible to directly power the wheels in reverse. Replies to this message: mecheng1 (May 16, 2008 5:55 am)
#23 of 23 Re: Reverse problem with Escape Hybrid [stevedebi] by mecheng1 May 16, 2008 (5:55 am)
Replying to: stevedebi (May 15, 2008 2:32 pm) Providing a means for the ICE to power reverse is not "difficult" or "impossible" - it just adds weight and complexity (read: less FE) to the most critical component in the vehicle.   Good trade off in my opinion. Future designs may address this - but not with this eCVT concept.

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