With gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options available in the 2022 Ford Escape lineup, this sporty little SUV is ready to hit the road when you are. Are you interested in electrified vehicles but don’t know where to begin and what you need to know? Is this the right time for you to make the switch, or should you stay with a traditional gas-only car? Fortunately, the Ford Escape offers all three options. We will look at hybrid technology and factors to consider to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle. Technology is constantly improving, and the infrastructure is growing rapidly, so it’s an exciting time to consider the Ford Escape hybrid lineup.
Why Hybrid?
In addition to saving you money at the pump, hybrid vehicles can have substantial emissions benefits over conventional gas-only cars as well. While traditional hybrids generate their own electricity when they decelerate, plug-in hybrids draw electricity from the electricity grid and store it in the battery until it’s ready to use. Electricity is a readily available alternative fuel source produced from various sources such as wind, solar, natural gas, coal, and hydropower. All of the sources of electricity are available in the United States, thus minimizing the reliance on foreign energy sources.
Cost Savings
The bottom line isn’t always the bottom line. While the cost to purchase a hybrid vehicle may be higher than a gas-only vehicle, the total cost of ownership is a crucial factor to consider. Thanks to their much lower fuel consumption, hybrids can end up saving you lots of money over the life of the vehicle if you are the type of driver who racks up the miles. However, the type of hybrid matters. If you primarily drive long distances, then the standard Ford Escape Hybrid gets the best overall fuel economy. But if you instead make a lot of short trips, then the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid will allow you to drive on battery power most of the time.
Another cost factor to consider is state and federal government tax incentives and rebates that may be available. Plug-in hybrids qualify for a Federal tax credit, which means that buying a 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid could save you up to $6,843 on your federal taxes. Many states offer tax incentives and savings as well. The tax savings and incentives can be well worth exploring, as they can be significant.
How To Read Hybrid Fuel Economy
We are all accustomed to seeing fuel economy measured as miles per gallon, or MPG. The gasoline-only 2022 Ford Escape gets up to 30 MPG combined. Traditional hybrids also have standard MPG figures, with the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid rated at 41 MPG combined. However, plug-in hybrids are handled slightly differently. You will still see an MPG figure, but you will also see “MPGe” and range figures. These show the efficiency and travel distance of the vehicle when it is running on battery power. MPGe stands for “miles per gallon equivalent” and is a measure of how much electricity the vehicle consumes. The 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets 40 MPG, 105 MPGe, and has a battery range of 37 miles.
Regenerative Braking
A feature you might notice for the hybrid versions of the Ford Escape is regenerative braking. Braking in conventional gas-powered cars creates heat, which dissipates into the air. With electric car technology, much of the energy produced by braking is instead transferred back into the battery as stored energy. In small vehicles, this is not a substantial amount of energy, but it does help to increase fuel efficiency, particularly when the brakes are used frequently in situations such as on hilly terrain or in city traffic. Regenerative braking doesn’t necessarily improve the car’s efficiency, but it prevents it from being less efficient by capturing energy that would otherwise be lost. Ford’s regenerative braking system can capture and reuse up to 90% of the energy lost with conventional brake systems.
Charging Explained
While it’s most common to charge plug-in hybrids at home, the network of public charging stations is rapidly expanding. Many workplaces now offer charging stations, and they are available at many other public places such as shopping malls, universities, highway rest areas, and public parking garages. Charging stations in your area or while on the road can be easily located using the FordPass app.
Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is the common standard adopted by the charging infrastructure industry. It enables universal charging terminology and technology so that all makes and models of electric vehicles can utilize the same public charging stations. Your Ford Escape hybrid comes equipped with an industry-standard J1772 connector. There are currently two levels of charging, all of which can be used with this connector.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V household outlet and takes around 11 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging. Level 2 charging can be performed at home with a 240V outlet or at many public charging stations and can fully charge a Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid in under 3.5 hours. However, the Escape is not equipped to use DC Fast Chargers. Fast Chargers have a different plug type and are designed for fully electric vehicles with much larger batteries.
Vehicle Range
As with conventional gas-only vehicles, many factors affect the range of electric cars. Following a few simple steps can help to preserve battery range. Pushing heavily on the pedal will adversely affect battery capacity, whereas slow, steady acceleration will help to extend the range. Adjusting the interior temperature in extreme hot or cold conditions while in battery mode will also impact its range. A simple solution is to adjust the internal cabin temperature before departure while the vehicle is still charging, which can be initiated remotely using the FordPass app on your smartphone.
Warranty
While maintenance is typically much lower for an electric vehicle than a standard gas-only vehicle, the cost of replacing the battery can be a consideration. With technological advancements, the newest batteries are capable of extended life, yet eventually will wear out and need to be replaced. Ford’s 8-year/100,000-mile Hybrid Component warranty helps to alleviate concerns. Some studies indicate that modern batteries will last 12-15 years, but climate and other conditions may affect lifespan. As technology continues to evolve, price and lifespan are constantly improving.
Performance
Going electric is sounding pretty darn good, but the bottom line is whether a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid will stand up to the demands of your lifestyle. After all, that’s why you’re interested in a Ford Escape in the first place. With the Class II Trailer Tow package, Outfitters Cargo Skybox, Outfitters Bike FrontLoader, and Outfitters Cargo Off-Grid package options, you won’t miss a beat when it comes to your active lifestyle. And with a seating capacity of five, you can take everyone along on the adventure. Need more cargo space? The Escape has you covered there as well; you can easily extend your cargo space with a 60/40 split-fold seat.
The Choice is Yours
Ford has produced the Escape Hybrid since 2005 and continues to invest in the technology to provide the best driver experience in both the gas and hybrid versions. Unlike most compact hybrids, the hybrid versions of the Escape are just as comfortable and capable as the gas-only versions on top of being more efficient. The decision to switch to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or stay with a conventional gas-only Ford Escape is yours. You’ll know with confidence that whatever you decide, you are going to love your new 2022 Ford Escape.
