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How does the Ford Escape Hybrid recharge its electric motor?
By Product Expert | Posted in Performance & Efficiency, Technology, Tips and Info on Friday, July 17th, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Ford Escape Hybrid Recharging Technology and FAQs
Electric vehicles are accepted by most in the automotive industry as the future of cars; the benefits of these vehicles are simply too much to ignore. However, charging infrastructure has a way to go before electric cars can be used easily and conveniently throughout the country.
For those who wish to ease into the benefits of an EV lifestyle, hybrid models are an attractive option. The Ford Escape Hybrid is particularly alluring; the hybrid technology is subtle, and from the outside it simply appears as an SUV that gets great gas mileage and doesn’t create many harmful emissions.
Many considering the Ford Escape Hybrid find themselves wondering: how does this vehicle recharge its electric motor?
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The electric motor inside the Ford Escape Hybrid is recharged automatically every time the driver applies the brakes; there’s no need to ever plug it in. Every time brakes are applied, kinetic energy is generated. In a hybrid vehicle, this kinetic energy is transferred into the batteries.
In this way, every red light does its part towards recharging the electric motor of the Ford Escape Hybrid. To maximize power regeneration, be sure to apply the brakes smoothly and gradually.
What is a hybrid vehicle?
A hybrid is defined as a vehicle with a combustion engine and electric motor that work together. In some hybrids, these powerplants operate at the same time, while in others, they take turns running separately. The goal of a hybrid vehicle is to combine the strengths of traditional gasoline-powered combustion engines and electric motors, and to eliminate the negatives of both as much as possible.
Learn More: How does the 2020 Ford Escape perform?
How does the Ford Escape Hybrid work?
The first foray by Ford into the hybrid world utilizes a full hybrid system; this means that the gas and electric motor inside can either operate separately or together. The hybrid powertrain is a new, specially patented creation devised by the automaker. Some see the Escape Hybrid as a potential breakthrough in hybrid technology.
Ever Wonder: Is tax credit available for hybrid and electric vehicles in Wisconsin?
When do the hybrid and gas engines operate in the Ford Escape Hybrid?
When the driver starts up the Ford Escape Hybrid, the electric motor is the first to activate. That motor then kicks off the gasoline engine. If the vehicle determines conditions are amiable to electric-only use, it will automatically shut off the gas engine.
The Ford Escape Hybrid utilizes its electric motor to accelerate from stops; it does this because electric powerplants are great for generating torque at low rpm ranges. When the vehicle reaches around 25 miles-per-hour, the gas engine kicks in as well. The two engines work in tandem until highway cruising speeds are reached.
At highway speeds, the gas engine is most efficient, so it takes over for most of the work at this point. The electric motor still kicks in to provide an added boost when speed is needed, such as when passing.
