Ford Hybrid and Electric Cars
Ford is getting into the hybrid and electric cars game. All in. So if you want to go green or simply save money on fuel costs, you have plenty of Ford options to choose from. We’ll go over them all in this preview guide, so you can make the right choice for you. We’ll also give you a sneak peek at future options coming in less than a year.
But, first let’s run down the differences between an electric vehicle, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. First off, electric vehicles are the best. They burn no gasoline ever and fuel by plugging into an outlet at home or in designated charging locations to charge the battery. The electric has a specific range you need to be aware of, just as you would with your gas tank gauge. Meanwhile, a hybrid runs on fuel but supplements that with a battery that charges by capturing the energy expended when the vehicle is coasting or braking. Doing so stretches the fuel economy to numbers that put non-hybrids to shame. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the best of both worlds. Like an electric, it can be plugged in to charge the battery. But it also has a gas tank that can be used when the battery is depleted. This versatile system has the green energy of an electric with the versatility of a hybrid.
2020 Ford Fusion
The Fusion comes in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. We like this model because of its standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, its luxurious and whisper-quiet cabin, and its SYNC 3 infotainment system. But the reason to get a hybrid is because of its fuel economy. The 2020 Fusion Hybrid gets 43 city miles and 41 highway miles per gallon while the Fusion Plug-In Hybrid gets the same number while burning fuel. But for the first 26 miles after charging, the Fusion Plug-In Hybrid runs like an all-electric, getting the equivalent of 109 city and 97 highway miles. Hard to beat numbers like those, impossible without an alternative fuel system.
2020 Ford Escape
The Escape comes with a hybrid option, adding an 88kW electric motor. This powertrain means getting about 40 combined miles per gallon, which is great for a compact sport utility vehicle. The Ford Escape is redesigned for the 2020 model year, kicking off a new generation. It’s longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, which is a great look and better visibility to boot.
2020 Ford Explorer
Make no mistake, the Explorer is a big vehicle. And going hybrid has not lessened its brawn one bit. This midsize hybrid SUV can even go off-roading without issue. The Explorer gets 27 city miles and 29 highway miles per gallon, a marked improvement over the non-hybrid model.
2021 Ford Mach-E
If you’re wondering where the electric cars are, just wait. The Mach-E is Ford’s first all-electric sports car, built in the spirit of the Mustang but gone green.