Ford’s new gas misers,
Automaker showcases a wide range of alternatives for energy-conscious drivers seeking to curb fuel use
We’re all feeling the pinch at the pumps.
Unlike the Europeans who’ve long embraced alternative methods of travel with their excellent mass transit, dedicated bike lanes and an enthusiastic scooter culture — most of us, with our vast distances between waypoints, are still firmly attached to our personal vehicles.
Although hybrids and electric vehicles have now become commonplace, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to our fuel and environmental woes, no single vehicle the definitive answer. Instead, there’s a variety of choice. With that in mind, Ford recently rolled into Toronto on the final stop of its cross-CanadaPower of Choice tour with a variety of vehicles ranging from the conventionally powered but fuel-efficient EcoBoost utility vehicle, regular and plug-in hybrids, to full-on electric — each designed to fulfill different needs.
Exhibition Place’s former Automotive Building is now the LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Allstream Centre and considered Canada’s greenest conference centre. It was an appropriate venue for an event beginning with a display of all the eco-friendly materials used in Ford’s interiors. Insulation and carpet backing containing recycled blue jeans, bio-foam seat cushions made from soybeans, and reclaimed plastics that have rerouted an estimated two million plastic bottles from landfill sites are all part of Ford’s initiative to reduce environmental impact. By 2013, the company claims that over 90 per cent of their lineup will feature the efficient EcoBoost engines, which boast a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and 15 per cent fewer C02 emissions.
Although the 2013 Fusion Hybrid, which goes on sale this fall, was on
display in the lobby, it was not available for testing.
Instead, there was a lineup that included the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, a pair of 2013 Ford Escapes — each with a different EcoBoost engine — and the 2012 Fusion Hybrid.
Over a short route that encircled the Toronto Exhibition grounds and incorporated part of the upcoming Honda Indy race course, we had a brief taste of each.
The Focus EV is a jaunty little hatchback with an Aston Martin-esque face.
Other than a trunk that’s been compromised by the intrusion of its 23kw lithium ion battery pack, the Focus EV differs little from its gaspowered counterpart, with the same steering and handling feel. Remarkably unremarkable, it provides a completely conventional driving experience — albeit one that’s eerily silent. Ford’s first all electric vehicle, the Focus EV boasts a new home-charging system that will recharge the battery in three hours — half the time of competitor Nissan Leaf. It has no tailpipe and no exhaust, therefore no emissions whatsoever. The conscientious energy-conserving driver is rewarded with an info screen full of butterflies — inspired by the butterfly effect wherein small things (such as the adage of a butterfly’s flapping wings disrupting the weather) can cause big change in eventual outcome.
With a range of up to 160 km, the Focus EV is well-suited to the urban dweller. Not so much the commuter from outlying bedroom communities. Crestfallen, one young participant realized the EV would be entirely unsuitable for her regular visits to the cottage, 400 km away.
Such a driver would be better served by a hybrid, using a parallel gasolineelectric system which constantly regenerates energy spent through braking, storing it in an on-board battery pack, or a plug-in hybrid, which can run solely on battery power — the gasoline engine taking over once the energy is depleted. Both choices alleviate the all-important range anxiety. Although Ford hasn’t released detailed specs on the upcoming plug-in Fusion Energi, they claim it will be more efficient than either the Chevrolet Volt or Toyota Prius. These claims have yet to be proven, since so much depends on driving styles and effects of climate on battery range.
The current Fusion Hybrid won accolades when it was introduced two years ago. It’s a handsome sedan that returns a combined fuel economy of approximately 6.0L/100 km combined, displaying a nearly seamless transition from electric to gasoline power. Again, the dash display rewards the careful driver, this time with leafy greenery that grows more abundant as less energy is expended.
The fleet was rounded off by a pair of 2013 Ford Escapes, both with EcoBoost engines: a 1.6L with 173 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque that will offer the greatest fuel economy, and a 2.0L Ecoboost with 237 hp and 250 lb.-ft. that boasts a rating of up to 3,500 lbs.
Although the larger engine con-- sumes 10.7l/100 km city and 7.8 highway, the 1.6, at 10.2 and 7.1, offers the best fuel economy in its segment: a compelling choice for weekend cottage dwellers with toys to tow.
There’s no single answer to our energy dilemma, rather, a thought-provoking series of choices depending on individual circumstances. What’s also becoming obvious is the important role that the driver plays, regardless of vehicle type, in conserving fuel. Whether you choose to drive an EV, hybrid or gasoline combustion engine-powered vehicle, fuel-efficient driving tips such as those provided by Natural Resources Canada on its website can make a big difference in your fuel consumption. wheels@thestar.ca