SF Cabbies forced to retire their hybrids at 300k miles

Ford launched the first Escape hybrid in 2004. We don't know when they started working on it but the first Prius went on sale in Japan 7 years earlier (1997). It is possible that Ford only became aware of the Prius when it went on sales in the US in 2001.

 

Or the odor of stale tobacco that lingers on and on and on. <YECK>

So some 300k mile FEH should be coming up on Ebay soon?

Bob Wilson

 

Similar story for NYC:

NYC hybrid taxis prove reliable

 

The hybrid systems from both Ford and Toyota were based on previous work with power splitting devices, so they both share some common ground. AFAIK, Ford was unaware of the details of Toyota's system, but when it became public they realized they had patent problems. Cross licensing took care of that, and gave Toyota access to some Ford technology that was of interest to them.

Tom

 

I remember reading about Toyota helping out with the control software. I guess that was one of the patent as well. Toyota got some Diesel technology in exchange.

I wonder if Ford continues to trade more patents with Toyota because the Fusion Hybrid has the same set of technology in the Iconic Prius (04-09). For example, electric A/C, Voltage booster, high torque MG2 max @ 6,500 RPM, etc...

Ford Hybrid System still lack the technology in the latest generation in 2010 Prius and RX450. For example, EGR, EHR, SRU, high speed MG2 max @13,500 RPM, Solar assist, Power mode, etc..

 

Qbee, what do you know about the control logic and electronic hardware in the FEH ? If memory serves me, Toyota built it's own chip foundry. Are those devices found in the FEH ?

My understanding is that Ford buys it's transaxles from a Toyota subsidiary -- the same ones Toyota uses.

That's a lot of common ground.

 

Yes, I firmly agree with you on those points. And I too get irritated when some say hybrids won't last as long as a conventional auto. The vast majority of automobiles at 300K, hybrid or not, are probably safe for private use. But as they get older critical items normally not on the maintenance schedule just plain fail after years of pounding over and over again on city streets. However, when dealing with the public transportation, safety is of the utmost concern because of the huge liability risks.

But I think the decision by the city of San Fran to retire autos is independent of whether or not they are hybrids. Hybrids can have the same failures on parts which are not normally serviced such as catastrophic wheel bearing failures, critical suspension components, and even simple things such as door latch integrity, etc.

Rick
#4 2006

 

A 300K city driven taxi Ford Hybrid? Hmm, I think you'd have to pay a disposal fee to get rid of that vehicle. Geez, the smell alone... I mean how much vomit and other bodily fluids can the seats and carpets absorb over the years...

Rick
#4 2006

 

It's worse than that. Some bashers/misinformed people think they need to be changed a lot more often than even 100K miles. Over at Smart car - Page 3 - MY350Z.COM Forums, I had to respond to someone who claimed they needed to be changed every two or three years.

 

Ever noticed it sounds different when you close the door of a taxi to the sound of closing the door of a private car? That's why taxis have mileage limits, they wear out quicker than private vehicles.

It isn't the end of the life of the car, plenty of ferals need cars too. The fag smoke smell will make em feel right at home, it's what ferals call "that new car smell"
Here smoking in cabs is banned, driver included.

 

As far as I know the Ford system is pretty much the earlier one from Toyota. I saw a few words in some of the articles that suggest some new work with the Fusion, but i don't have any solid information.

Tom

 

we had the escape hybrid as a rental once my caddy got hit. from what i remember, the drive was very much like the prius. i enjoyed the escape EXCEPT for a few, minor comfort quirks that doesn't really even matter. overall, the escape was very good.

i hope that ford takes this and creates a SUV hybrid that can rival or beat 50+ mpg.

i know we have the technology. it's time to bring it out.

 

Smoking banned here too Pat,it's actually the 4th year anniversary of the Smoking in the Workplace ban,Taxis,Pubs ,clubs,you name it,
I don't however agree with 300k limit,here in Ireland a vehicle can't be over 9yrs old and as long as it passes it's yearly NCT[Inspection]you're good,infact MOST Taxi's are well maintained both mechanically and interior,personally i couldn't sit in mobile ashtray for 12hrs a day!!

 

Irony:
As S.F. sees the good in paying extra for hybrids, our genius Fed's are telling GM to quit throwing money at the Volt. I guess their supposed to just keep building Suburbans.

 

As a taxpayer, I don't want to throw a penny at GM, let alone the 270 billion GM wants so that I can have the privilege to buy one.

 

As far as mileage limits, my 04 with 192,000 km on it, I recently sold to a taxi operator. Obviously they want a car in decent condition, that helps a lot. Taxi operators also understand that the Prius has no unusual reliability concerns, especially compared to a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor