Interesting Ford Escape Hybrid Article

http://autoblog.com/entry/1234000753052077/

Using "an Aktinson-cycle four-cylinder" was listed as a difference from Toyota's Synergy system. That's incorrect. Toyota does too.

Using "active battery cooling" was listed as a difference as well. Toyota doesn't need that, because they utilizes battery modules with better thermal abilities instead. Ford is currently stuck with D-cells, so they have to do something special to deal with that excess heat.

A difference that was not mentioned was the fact that maximum electric drive speed is 25 MPH for Ford's system and 42 MPH for Toyota's system. Another was that Toyota has electric A/C, so their complaint only applies to the Ford.

That blog was actually pretty well written. And the illustrations were nice. Hopefully, the misleading content will be corrected. It would be helpful if consistent terminology was used too. For example, the "stealth" ability was referred to several different ways.

Lastly the "The Aktinson-cycle engine offers improved fuel economy, while sacrificing low-end power," sentence was very misleading. Power is indeed sacrificed by using that type of cycle; however, having the electric motor compensates for that.

There is no doubt the Prius is still the most advanced hybrid out there.

They do point out that the Ford is a much better packed system than the Toyota system, which is kinda cool. I have a Prius, but it's nice to see the home team get ahead on one.

I doubt that putting MG1 in the transaxle is really a better protected position. MG2 is still in the engine compartment.

Here is another story I got today on the Escape:

http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=102828

The headline in the e-mail I got about it says:

:AutoWeek - USA
... Unlike the quirky Toyota Prius, the Escape Hybrid doesn't announce to the world its eco-friendly nature (that may be a bad thing for some people), and the on ... "

In the body of the article they say that it does not pay to buy the car as it is so much more than the 4 cylinder version of the Escape - BUT then they go on to say that it really should be compared to the 6 cyclinder version based on its power. The difference in price there is only $1880 they claim. Well, if you factor in the tax credit for buying the hybrid version it sounds like it is a no brainer that the hybrid is a much better buy.

"Hearing the whine of the electric during assist or regeneration is strange at first, but then becomes a novel reminder that you’re driving a hybrid."

Does the Prius do that? I don't remember hearing that noise and I hear any noise that a car makes if it's unpleasant or strange.

Yep... You can definetly hear it.

Must not be unpleasant to my ears then, Jonnycat. The one thing that I do notice every time, though, is when I roll up to the mailbox and the car is utterly silent, save for the sound that the tires make as they roll over the pavement.

Honestly, you're not going fast enough. Anything under 8mph, you're using your regular brakes and not the regen. If you turn everything down try slowly breaking from about 30mph. It's not a harsh noise, but you can definetly notice it.

It took a little time, Jonnycat, but I finally heard what they're referring to. It's a sound that reminds me of a jet engine turbine (obviously at a lower decibel level though). I've heard it before but I rather like it; it sounds pretty cool to me and is subtle. Maybe the Ford hybrid system's sound is more obnoxious <shrug>.

It's possible.. but the gas Escape I've been in was definetly quieter than my Prius. But I think that's just because the Prius is a bit noisy while cruising the highway. I have no idea what the EH would sound like at low speed.

I agree with your other statements, but I think this one is due to selective reading/quoting. The quote in better context is:

"The Aktinson-cycle engine offers improved fuel economy, while sacrificing low-end power. This sacrifice is well matched with the instant power available from the electric traction motor."

...which does note that the electric moter compensates for the sacrifice in power.