As Ford marks two decades since the launch of the world’s first hybrid SUV, the Escape Hybrid, the company is reflecting on its achievements in hybrid vehicle technology and looking ahead to a future driven by continued innovation. Launched in 2004, the Escape Hybrid broke new ground with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon in the city, a first for SUVs of its kind.
The journey to create this revolutionary vehicle was no small feat. A team of engineers, including Ford’s senior hybrid systems engineers, spent years researching electric drive units, power electronics, and hybrid powertrains to develop a system that seamlessly integrated an electric motor, high-voltage battery, and regenerative braking into an SUV chassis.
“The challenges were numerous, but the reward was groundbreaking,” said a senior hybrid systems engineer at Ford, reflecting on the development of the Escape Hybrid. “The enthusiastic response from customers validated the promise of hybrid technology, which has only grown stronger over the past 20 years.”
Ford’s hybrid technology has since evolved, expanding into vehicles like the Ford Fusion, Mondeo, C-Max, and the pursuit-rated hybrid police car. Ford’s innovations even led to the creation of the first pursuit-rated hybrid police utility vehicle, which offers significant fuel savings for agencies. With the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, Ford introduced the concept of a truck that doubles as a mobile generator, providing up to 7.2 kW of exportable power, a feature praised by outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Ford’s commitment to hybrid innovation continues with its most popular hybrid model, the Maverick compact pickup, which boasts an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon city. Looking ahead, Ford is gearing up to launch the Ranger plug-in hybrid in 2025, delivering up to 508 lb.-ft. of torque and an electric-only driving range of over 27 miles.
Ford’s dedication to hybrid technology has resulted in over 2,800 patents related to hybrid and electric vehicles globally, with nearly one-quarter of the company’s patents in the last five years tied to batteries, electrification, and hybrid tech.
“As we move towards a future with more electric vehicles, hybrids will play a key role in this transition,” added the senior hybrid systems engineer. “We’re excited about the continued advancements in performance, efficiency, and integration, and are committed to growing Ford’s global hybrid portfolio.”
With nearly 1.3 million hybrid vehicles sold in the U.S. alone, Ford remains a leader in the hybrid space, continually pushing the boundaries of what hybrid technology can achieve.
