Ford Motor Company took pride in 2004 with its introduction of the first full hybrid SUV (sports utility vehicle) to rock the car business. Three years ago, the 2004 Ford hybrid Escape debuted as the first American-manufactured full hybrid SUV. The much-celebrated Ford hybrid Escape is the foremost hybrid vehicle with the capacity to run in E85. The E85 is a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Yielded from American-grown corn, the E85 is a renewable fuel. This ethanol-based fuel gives off lesser greenhouse emissions. It is more environment-friendly and can be used to replace gasoline fuel.

The Ford hybrid Escape has been phenomenal in sales. In 2004, Ford manufactured 17,000 Escapes. The number was four times more than the initially plan of Ford.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford hybrid Escape is a full hybrid vehicle. Unlike mild hybrids such as the Saturn VUE hybrids, the full hybrid can run on electric engine or gas engine alone, or a fusion of both battery and gas engines.

The 2004 Ford hybrid Escape bagged the "Truck of the Year" award during the International Auto Show in 2005.

Two years after the launching of the first generation of the Ford hybrid Escape, the American car manufacturer released the 2006 Escape.

The 2006 Ford hybrid Escape is equipped with seven different microprocessor modules. However, this second generation of Ford hybrid Escape is not as complicated as its make-up may sound. The vehicle drive system needs no extraordinary skills to function.

This 2006 Ford hybrid Escape is virtually improved compared to its former version. It is geared with two strong electric engines. The electrical motors supplement the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the Atkinson-cycle-4-cylinder gas engine.

This Ford hybrid Escape has high-tech thermal management system. This system helps maintain longer car battery life.

There is a certified fifty percent decrease in CO2 emissions when city-driving in a Ford hybrid Escape and a considerable unlimited driving range between gas stops.

2008 Ford Escape

A third generation of 2008 Ford hybrid Escape is more improved and advanced compared to the first two Ford hybrid Escape. The car's four-wheel disc regenerative brakes are fine-tuned with a more superior Ford engineering technology. The shift between gas and electric function is more hushed and unblemished. The Ford hybrid Escape driver has to listen very closely to hear the engine changeover.

The 2008 Ford hybrid Escape, like its 2004 and 2006 versions, is a full hybrid vehicle. At a maximum of 30mph, the Escape can operate on a 100 percent electrical energy. Ford hybrid drivers can save more on fuel consumption.

Ford Hybrid System

Ford engineered a hybrid system that automatically stops the engine when idle and automatically starts again when as needed.

The Ford hybrid system complements the 2.3-liter gas engine when increasing speed or passing. The system also features regenerative braking. It means that the system recovers energy usually lost when braking and saves the energy for the next acceleration.

During electric driving in a city-driving mode, the gas engine may be shut-off 40 percent of the total driving time.

Hybrid Tax Credits

In the United States, much interest and attention has been bestowed to the hybrid craze. Several state politicians and a number of insurance firms are giving hybrid car owners attractive benefits.

To substitute tax deductions, hybrid cars buyers will get federal tax credits. The tax credit is an extra end-product gain advantage for hybrid car buyers.

For example, Ford hybrid Escape hybrids buyers can collect $1,950 for the four-wheel-drive model. Ford two-wheel model buyers get $2,600 credits. Saturn hybrid car buyers get $1300 tax credits. The Mercury hybrid can even qualify for tax credits as high as $3000. The Hybrid Mania

With the birth of the hybrid technology, car manufacturers worldwide started to create and develop their own distinctive line of hybrid cars. Carmakers are trying to develop a more superior hybrid technology that is more fuel-efficient and with lower or possibly no harmful gas emissions.

Japanese car manufacturers Toyota and Honda are leading the hybrid race. Other car manufacturers from the United States and Europe are joining the bandwagon. In few years time, more and more hybrid vehicles will be on the streets and highways. And several years from now, hybrid owners will not only enjoy tax credits and other driving benefits. More alluring hybrid packages will soon be offered to the public.

But as for now, it is about time that we do our part in creating a safe and healthy environment. Carmakers like Ford (with its Ford Hybrid Escape, Toyota, Honda, and General Motor are doing their shares. It is about time car owners do theirs.

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