Hybrid power for Mondeo estate

FORD is planning to beef up its hybrid fleet with the introduction of petrol-electric powered versions of the Mondeo estate next year.

The new Mondeo hybrid estate will enable customers who require greater load-carrying capability to benefit from the efficiency and refinement of an electric powertrain in many driving scenarios, while maintaining the driving range and freedom offered by a traditional combustion engine, says the company.

A hybrid powertrain is currently only offered on the Mondeo four door, but Ford has spotted a chance to increase the estate’s current 30% share of total UK Mondeo sales by adding a hybrid option to the mix.

The 184bhp powertrain uses an electric motor in conjunction with a two-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a generator to enable regenerative charging of the 1.4 kWh lithium-ion, air-cooled, recyclable battery which is located behind the rear seats. Regenerative braking technology captures up to 90% of the energy normally lost during braking to replenish the battery.

Says Roelant de Waard, Ford’s European marketing, sales and service vice president: “Electrified powertrains will continue to play a key role in our European product line-up.

“Ford is investing $11 billion and plans to deliver 16 fully electric vehicles within a global portfolio of 40 electrified vehicles by 2022.”

Full specifications and prices will be announced nearer to the car’s launch next year.