Ford: more E85ers and even better hybrids

At this week's Washington Auto show, Ford Motor Company announced an expanding line of E85 compatible flex-fuel vehicles and efficiency improvements in addition to their popular Escape and Mariner Hybrid SUVs. According to a company press release, the E85 capable vehicles that will join Ford's ranks in 2009 include: the E-series van, plus the standard and extended length versions of the Expedition and Navigator SUVs. Building FFV versions of its regular gasoliners cost manufacturers very little per vehicle while returning a nice chunk of credit towards the CAFE standards that their fleets must meet. The credit is based on an assumption that the vehicles will burn E85 at least 50 percent of the time.

The Escape and Mariner Hybrids get a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine whose basic configuration will be shared with the non-hybrid versions as well. The Atkinson cycle with variable valve timing hybrid tweaked version of this powerplant will produce more horsepower while delivering better fuel economy. In addition, Ford says they have improved the hybrid system processor for a smoother transition from engine to electric mode. And they've also made brake sensing improvements to give better feedback to the driver when the system transitions between regenerative braking and mechanical braking.

We love the hybrid tweaks--anything that makes them more fuel efficient and pleasurable to drive is a winner in our book. This trend towards more and more large engine flex-fuel vehicles though is a bit disturbing. We're glad to see manufacturers building more FFVs, but we'd just like to see more emphasis put on building at least equal numbers of smaller more economical E85 capable vehicles. Not everyone who's interested in an ethanol alt fueler necessarily wants or needs a big SUV or truck. Auto manufacturers - are you listening?

2009 Ford Escape - photo © Ford Motor Company