The College Driver took advantage of the EcoXperience section in the bottom floor of the Cobo Center yesterday. One of the most interesting vehicles there was a vehicle that was put in at the last minute, a Plug-In Ford Escape Hybrid that uses a 10kW-hr capacity lithium-ion battery pack.

With a charge time of 6-8 hours using a regular 120V household outlet, the plug-in can travel about 100 miles on pure electric power depending on various conditions. It then becomes a regular Escape Hybrid that is able to cycle its gasoline engine on and off depending on electrical energy available.

I had the chance to speak with an engineer of the vehicle throughout the test drive, but he could not offer any details on cost or a time for full production. He did say though, that the technology is readily available but the infrastructure and effect on the power grid needs to be tested out for long-term use.

The Plug-In is eerily quiet in full electric mode with only the small whir of an electric motor to be heard when you press on the gas. It feels and sounds very futuristic, and offers tons of torque right from the get-go. The braking system requires more development though, as the transition from regenerative braking to disc braking can be felt.

 

Photo: Michael Goldberg