Why there are no 4WD marked on the Body

9 messages, Last post on Nov 16, 2007 at 8:33 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, SUV

#8 of 9 Re: Hybrid Escapes [stevedebi] by mecheng1 Nov 16, 2007 (7:33 am)
Replying to: stevedebi (Nov 15, 2007 6:01 pm) From what I have heard on these forums, the HiHy design includes the standard electric motors in the synergy drive system and then a second motor (or motors?) in the rear specifically to provide the four-wheel drive capability. There are numerous postings in these forums about HiHys being stuck against "small" curbs because the rear wheels only receive a limited amount of power from the second motor and and cannot receive combined power from the ice/motor (synergy) powertrain. The FEH can feed "full" power to the rear wheels through a drive shaft that runs from the hybrid powertrain in the front to a differential in the rear. The trade-off....Ford has yet to resolve the highly complex software design needed to provide vehicle stability control with this type of 4WD system. Toyota can provide VSC in the HiHy because they drive the rear wheels with an independant motor.
#9 of 9 Re: Hybrid Escapes [stevedebi] by sphinx88 Nov 16, 2007 (8:33 pm)
Replying to: stevedebi (Nov 15, 2007 6:01 pm) I may pay a body shop to lable my FEH a 4WD sign, not sure how much does it cost. Ford really need to put that on the body. Why not?