Hybrid/Alternative fuel talk again, I'm going to sound like a broken record here

I had an earlier post about the fact that Ford was putting incentives on the hood of Escape Hybrids, and that I thought this was unussual. Two readers commented on this situation, Shawn, who believes that people who buy Hybrids, are not your typical domestic car buyer, and Igor who points out that Ford is not the only manufacturer that is seeing a slowdown in Hybrid SUV sales. So I thought on their comments and the subject in general, and this is my take on it.

Shawn may have a point that many people that would buy Hybrids would not oridnarilly be domestic vehicle customers, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a place in the market for Hybrids. The idea is that people that wouldnt' normally buy Hybrids wil buy them. As gas prices go up and down ( and never down enough) people that wouldn't normally be drawn in by new trends, may want a Hybrid, thinking of the savings in fuel costs. So while Hollywood types and the cultural elite, may not be snapping up Ford Escape Hybrids, maybe some average Joe or Jane would. Escecially if they need a slightly larger vehicle than a Prius.

But Igor points to the fact that Toyota Highlander, Lexus and Honda Accord Hybrids are slowing down in sales. Now when I say they're slowing down, that doesn't mean they're not selling, just that the waiting lists are gone. This was innevitable, as gas prices normalized after the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. But the end of waiting lists is being overhyped by journalists and pundits. Hybrids will have a part of the market in the future, maybe not a huge part, but they're not going away. Especially in fleet sales in the future. The Hybrids that are still selling like hotcakes are the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, because of their lower prices relative to the others and of course their higher fuel economy.

Ford has new Hybrid models in the pipeline, expect a Fusion/Milan and possibly an Edge version and later the 500/Freestyle. Ford hopes to sell up to 250,000 Hybrid units a year when they're fully up to speed. Spread over the different models this should lower the premium paid for a Hybrid slightly, and offer flexability to customers. But Ford should also consider Hybrid versions of their Focus and Fiesta models when they are replace/introduced in the US market. The trend for Hybrids is toward smaller vehicles. There are several common sense reasons for this. First the increase in economy is higher in smaller models, and since Hybrids are better suited to an Urban style of driving it makes sense that smaller models are easier to park in the city. So Hybrid versions of vehicles like the Focus and Fiesta, and possibly and EcoSport would be better for these markets.

Hybrid versions of 500/Freestyle and Fusion/Milan would be better suited to fleet sales, such as taxis, police cars and municipal services. Ford will have the systems ready by 2008 (?) for many of these models and it's a smart move.

But I've said before, Hybrids aren't for everyone, there has to be more options. The higher price of purchase and maintenance of a Hybrid will keep some people away. Ford and others need to suppliment their Hybrid efforts with Diesel and E85 models. Diesels are also slightly more expensive to buy than gas version of the same model, but maintenance is not more expensive, and they are known for lasting longer ( the powertrains anyway.) Add the Bio Fuel situation into the mix and Diesels can make better sense for people that do longer highway commutes and non urban driving. Ford has a small advantage in their Hybrid Escape, since they've been testing E85/Hybrids taking advantage of both technologies. Ford needs to increase the mix of E85 models too.

No single technologie will be enough to eliminate our dependance on foreign oil or help clean the air we breath. What we need is a mix of alternative fuel technology, Hybrids and smaller more efficient vehicles. Remember the Reflex concept that I love so much? It's got a Hybrid/Diesel powertrain with energy reclaimed for braking and solar panels in the roof, so it can achieve fule economy of 65 mpg. Not bad huh? And if the Diesel it's using is Bio Diesel, what little fuel it burns is cleaner than we could have dreamed of a decade ago.

Ford's "Driving American Innovation" campain, is more than words, they're working with all of these technologies and more. Ford has been working with Hydraulic Launch Assist and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines, as well as Direct Gasoline Injection (Mazda) so they are covering all the bases and if they can survive these tough times, can be in a position to respond to consumer's preferences. A good mix of these technologies is what I hope to see from Ford over the next few years.

Autoline Detroit, PSA Diesel Hybrid, and what it should mean for Ford.

I was watching Autoline Detroit, as I do every Sunday, and John McElroy was talking about new technologies and had a special segment on PSA (Citreon/Peugeot) Diesel Hybrid concept. He was fawning over it, and with it's combined fuel economy of 70 mpg, it's impressive. But I was yelling at the TV screeen, trying to remind John, that PSA isn't the only one that has such a concept. The Ford Reflex is a Diesel Hybrid! Ok, maybe the Reflex isn't as close to production, and it's hybrid system not as practical. But Ford has Hybrid and Diesels in their product mix.
Why can't Ford, combine the two existing technologies into the Fiesta and beet PSA to market? After all, the Ford Duratorq Diesels are a joint design with PSA, so they have half already. Couldn't this be mated with a scaled down verison of the Escape Hybrid's transmission and electric motor system?

Past articles on Hydraulic Hybrid systems

OK, as an update to previous post on the Ford Hydaulic Launch Assist system, and it's possible roots in Inventor's Inertial Storage Transmission system. It was Jalopnik where I originally heard of this and they link to the Mother Earth article. I may have been mistakend about him being a Postal worker also.

AutoBlog article on EPA and Hydrauics

Jalopnik article on Hydraulic hybrids

Mother Earth article on Hydraulic hybrids

And for those who believe in conspiracy theories, like the government keeping a 200 mpg carburator hidden; http://byronw.www1host.com/

60 MPG F-150? Unlikely, but AutoBlog is reporting on a website that discusses it.

The guys over at AutoBlog have an article and link discussing the possability of a Hydraulic Hybrid F150 by 2008. Even they are sceptical. The system would use a hydraulic pump and tank to assist with getting the truck moving, much like an Electric Hybrid does.
Hydraulic pressure can be very powerful and efficient, and there are many examples of hydraulics in use around you every day. Not just LowRiders and construction equipment.
Now AutoBlog doesn't reference this, and I can't find the article now, but I had read last year of a postal worker who in his spare time, had invented just such a system and had been running his Ford Granada as a rolling laboratory.
Hydraulics are nothing new to cars, automatic transmissions are basically hydraulicly controlled, as our our brakes on all modern cars. Most power take off (PTO) accessories on heavy equipment are hydraulic.
And in the 50's Citreon came out with this the DS19, with Hydraulic/Pneumatic suspension, brakes, steering and transmission, allowing the car to have a fully adjustable ride height and comfortable and capable handling .

So while I originally thought AutoBlog had been suckered into a hoax, who knows a system like this could be in the works. I do have a doubt about the timeframe, but Ford is commited to alternative technologies and an F150 that could achieve 60 mpg would make them king of the truck world. If I can find the original article on the inventor I mentioned I'll add the link. If I'm no mistaken, AutoBlog reported on him last year, and some government agency was investing in the technology.

Click the link in header to read more.

Are Hybrids the answer? Not alone and not for everyone

I've been reading a lot of blogs today and the fur seems to be flying in every direction concerning Hybrid vehicles, and I'm as guilty as anyone, with my latest post telling Ford to produce more Hybrids. Many people mistakenly think of Hybrids as the solution to our energy needs, and the simple truth is they aren't, not for everyone at least. Don't get me wrong, they're great for a portion of the driving public that would include me. The truth about Hybrids are that they only really make sense for people that do an urban or even suburban driving circuit. For people that commute long distances there is absolutely no relief. The same goes for Electric cars like the now defunct Ford Think, pictured above. Electric cars do not work in the US almost at all. The range of them is limited and the size of them makes them unsafe compared to the average car.
Nobody wants to drive a golf cart with a roof on the highway, where you can be knocked on your side by the tail wind of a passing tractor trailer.
Gasoline/Electric Hybrids solve several problems of the Electric cars, but not all. The range is basically unlimited, because you have a gas engine that takes over and most Hybrids use braking to recharge the batteries. But Hybrids achieve their best milage on a "city" driving loop and on the highway perform much like their gasoline counterparts. As an example the Ford Escape achieves 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. So for commuters traveling into cities from far flung suburban communities, they really have a limited benefit.

My personal driving routine would be a perfect fit for a Hybrid, as I drive about 5 miles to work each way and most of driving is done in stop and go traffic, with the ocasional trip on the highway. But many people I know drive 40-50 miles each way on the highway, where the Hybrid has no advantage.

The answers to our problem are manifold, a combination of Hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles, as well as more efficient gasoline and Diesel vehicles. Ford's partner Mazda is rolling out the MazdaSpeed6 with it's 2.3 L Direct Injection Turbo I-4, making over 270 hp and still achieving decent milage. Many pundits have said, and I agree that the future of the automobile as we know it is going to involve many smaller displacement motors with this type of technology.

I remember in the 80's many auto makers were wild about Turbos, Chrysler put a turbo in almost everything they sold, including the mini vans. Ford jumped on the wagon too, with the Superb Mustang SVO and the almost ran Turob GT Mustangs, as well as turbo Escort, EXP, Merkur and Thunderbird. GM's Buick division seemed the champion of turbo technology across their model line up as well. Mitsubishi had big hits with their Turbo Codria/Tredia and Starion models long before the Evo came to these shores. Turbos were nothing new, GM had them in early Corvairs and many Diesels had turbos for years. But in the 80's the mantra was V-8 power with 4 cyl milage. And it was a turbo boon for a while. Then people experienced turbo failures. Turbos are great, but early turbos were prone to failure because of lubrication and heat related problems. So turbos fell out of fashion. Only showing up on high end sporty cars and the Chevy Sprint ( Don't ask me why.)

Turbo technology as well as fuel injection and engine management have come a long way. I'm not saying that's the solution either. I think that all of them are the answer. Some Bio Fuel Diesel vehicles, some Electric and Hybrid, and a redesign of the current powertrains to include technology to increase fuel economy while not loosing performance. We can have our cake and eat it too.

Ford is poised to take bold steps if they dare, and lead the American Auto Industry into the future, as they are the only domestic manufacturer with viable Hybrids right now and with the Direct Injection Turbo in the toolbox, things could be looking better. That is if they can survive long enough to implement these technologies.

But what the hell do I know?

Ford set to battle Japanese in Hybrid war?

I've read several places today that Ford is getting ready to battle the Japanese in the Hybrid war, well if they are, they're outgunned and out flanked. The truth is that Ford's Escape is a great vehicle and the expansion into the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute clones is a good idea. But Ford needs to get better control of suppliers and materials. Currently Ford buys their batteries from Sanyo and Pansonic, who also supply Toyota and soon Nissan and Subaru. The transmissions are purchased from another Japanese firm Aisin and the brake charging system is from a German firm. Now the Japanese suppliers will become a problem for Ford in several ways. First as the dollar falls compared to the Yen, parts will increase in price. Second, and maybe more important is that now that other Manufacturers such as Nissan and Subaru are building Hybrids, capacity will be stretched. I personally think the Japanese firms will feel pressure to fill commitments to these new players from Japan as well as Toyota.
Ford also needs to expand it's Hybrid lineup to include a broader and more competative part of the market. The Focus with a Hybrid drivetrain would better serve Ford in future competition from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Subaru as well as future Hybrids form Hyundai and Kia.
Ford had tried the Electric Rangers a few years ago, what about a Hybrid Ranger? It could slow the tumbling sales of this former class leader. And with Fleet sales of Ranger, could have a great impact on the environment and economy as well. Think of all those Commercial Rangers using less fuel. Rangers are popular with delivery and service firms among others.
The Fuison/Milan are a certain benifactor of Hybrid tehcnology and would compete with the Honda Accord Hybrid well.
Don't forget about the FreeStyle/MetaOne crossover wagons, perfect for families looking to get out of gas sucking SUVs.
Any future MPV or mini van type vehicles should also be considered likely Hybrid candidates.

The "flagship" 500 could benefit from Hybrid powertrain as well, especially with the available all wheeel drive.

Ford has been doing a lot of talk about inovation and technology. What they need to do is find alternate vendors for their systems or even bring it in house and sell to others. Form a partnership with another manufacturer like VW or GM for sharing of technology.

The future looks Hybrid, at least in the short term, and since many of the vehicles above use the 3.0 L V6 from the Escape, hopefully the Hybrid's powertrain would fit in these other models as well. At least Ford isn't coming late to this party, being way ahead of domestic and foreign competitors alike. Only Toyota and now Honda are positioned to overtake Ford in this if they allow it. But this is not something that happen slow, Ford needs to get going and have more models available soon. Toyota is going to have a varied lineup of Hybrids very soon.

Ford getting serious about Hybrids and alternative fuels?

The Article from the BlueOvalNews discusses Ford distributing Focus FCV's (FuelCellVehicles) to municpal governments to get real world feedback. I hope this isn't just so much public relations hype, like the electric Rangers and the Flex Fuel cars of the last few years.

Alternative engergy choices like Diesels, Hybrids and eventually Hydrogen are going to become major selling points over the next few years and Ford would be wise to on the front line with these and not playing catch up like GM and Chrysler are with Hybrids now.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid introduced with much hype

The New Mercury Mariner Hybrid has been rolled out with much fan fare and praise, and while I think it's a good thing, it's not amazing. The Mariner Hybrid like any other Mercury is just a rebadged Ford product. In this case it's an Escape Hybrid with that ugly waterfall grille.
This is the car that needs to be a Hybird! The Escape and Mariner twins are great. But the Fusion needs a Hybrid version quickly. If Ford wants to be competative in the future, they need to get this out on the market as quickly as possible. The best sellin Hybrid is the Toyota Prius and that car is a little quirky to say the least. I'm not saying the quality isn't here, I mean it's odd. If Ford wanted to make an impact, then a Fusion Hybrid would be an instant success with it's handsome styling and real world size and utility. Honda sells two more traditional looking hybrid cars the Accord and Civic, Ford could really do well with the Fusion Hybrid.
The Escape Hybrid is a great start, but don't stop there. Ford should be pushing forward with Hybrid and Diesel versions of the Escape, Fusion, Focus and Explorer. I don't mean a hybrid or a Diesel, I mean both. Hedge their bets. The Hybrids make more sense for urban or suburban people but Diesels would make more sense for people who drive long commutes.

Ford needs to inovate and move forward instead of playing catch up and making big noise about hollow gestures. It's a fact that Ford has the worst EPA fuel economy ratings of the major manufacturers. Mostly because of their heavy reliance on truck and SUV sales. But Ford cars don't lead the way in economy either. The Fusion is not a gas guzzler, but Ford needs to get the technology into the market now.