Tuesday, April 28, 2009

1445 Miles On A Tank Of Gas


My son Brian suggested that I do a post on the Ford Fusion Hybrid! In a ground breaking event for Ford, Ford has developed their own hybrid system. The system was developed internally within Ford, and does not utilize any of the Toyota Synergy drive components.
The first car to have the system installed is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan in America. Please see my February post labeled Can Detroit Build Hybrids?
In an effort to promote the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford initiated a Fusion Hybrid 1000 mile challenge. Ford attempted to drive more than 1000 miles on a singe tank of gas. The Ford hybrid team drove for more than 43 continuous hours – on a single tank of gas. The Ford Fusion Hybrid was an average vehicle with no modifications for the race. A team of Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert and a NASCAR star drove the car for more than 43 continuous hours. See the Ford press release!

The results, of the the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 1000 Mile Challenge, are that the Ford Fusion Hybrid actually averaged 81.5 mpg. and finished the challenge after going 1445.7 miles on one tank of gas.

The mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team used are:

  • Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure
  • Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking
  • Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions
  • Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear
  • Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine
  • Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag
  • Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic
  • Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
  • Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum
    Click here for more Eco-Driving tips

The Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,270, and is eligible for a $3400 federal tax rebate. The EPA rating for the 2010 Fusion hybrid is 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. This model gets the better fuel economy of competing Toyota Camry Hybrid mid-size sedan.

My take on this is that this shows how far that hybrids have been developed. Congratulations to Ford for developing a such an effective green vehicle. There will be many more developments over the next several years.



10 comments:

  1. Hi Pete .. have they finished yet? what's the result. It's interesting that they went back to the drawing board .. to start again. It'd be great if we could drive for 1,000 miles .. I could go to Cornwall and back and travel for a few months without refilling!

    It'll be good to hear the result ..

    Thanks Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters

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  2. Hello Hilary,

    Yes,you read the blog just as I had to post since I was having some problems. The challenge concluded with them achieving 1445 miles.

    Quite astounding actually! See the Ford press release for more information.

    Thanks for your comment!

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

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  3. Peter, thank you for keeping us updated on this that is great news. That is a car worth having. We will keep this one in mind for our next car.
    Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

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  4. YAY!!! GO FORD!!! finally a american made hybrid one with great gas millage too! what a great car for teens!!

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  5. Hi Dan & Deanna,

    The Ford Fusion is actually a great pick! It has great reliability....see Consumer Reports.

    The automobile writers are excited about this car since it drives well. Most green vehicles are the opposite...you have to make sacrifices.

    Thanks for commenting on my blog!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

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  6. Hello Anonymous,

    This is an excellent example of a hybrid that gets great gas milage....and drives well also.

    Thank you for supporting the American manufacturers...they need some buyers at the moment.

    It is apparent that you are concerned about the environment...we all need to be concerned. One of the benefits for a teen driver is that the insurance won't be so expensive and you can save on the fuel expense.

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

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  7. Hi Peter!

    That's Awesome News!! Wow, over 1400 miles on one tank of gas!

    I'm enjoying the commercials FORD is making with the American Idol finalists and it's Ford Fusion. It looks like they are marketing it as the Cool "It" car for teens. Way to go, Ford, for this accomplishment and to the great advertising!

    Thanks for sharing this.

    Many Blessings....
    Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve

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  8. Hi Roxanne and Hugo,

    The 1000 mile challenge was an eye opener for me! It shows what you can do with a green machine! I knew that it was a good car to start with!

    Thank you for letting me know about the American Idol commercials, it is good to know that they are working on such great advertising. Ford has been building some good products the last few years!

    Thanks for commenting on my blog!

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

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  9. Hi Pete .. too quick am I?? Ok - now I've spotted the result .. that's great news .. excellent .. I'll be able to go to Cornwall and back twice and do a few short trips in between .. - money saver too ..

    It'll still be the Bentley though ..

    Cheers Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters

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  10. Hi Hilary,

    This is the first hybrid that I can say drives like a regular car. It might be a good average car when you don't want to portray the wrong image. Especially when you go into areas that are less than stellar!

    The Bentley is your definitely your main ride. I hope you like the tan interior, also the 20 inch wheels seem to make the car.

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

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