Ford Escape PHEV due here 2020

The new Ford Escape plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be the first electrified Ford SUV offered in New Zealand, on sale here in early 2020.

“Ford has a strong global strategy in electrification and hybrid technology, and we’re proud to bring our first hybrid SUV to New Zealand customers in such an advanced, capable vehicle as the all-new Escape,” Ford Australia and New Zealand chief executive officer Kay Hart says.

Multiple driving modes enable customers to maximise efficiency based on driving conditions, with fully-electric mode anticipated to deliver more than 50km of zero emission driving in pure-electric mode

It has a more aero-efficient design, greater interior space and flexibility, an advanced new platform, greater rigidity and reduced weight compared to its predecessor.

The Escape is the second model – after the Focus – based upon Ford’s advanced C2 platform architecture, which uses high-tech materials, manufacturing techniques and strategies to deliver driving dynamics, user-friendliness, and the latest technology.

“We know our customers love technology, many of whom are often early adopters, so the combination of user-friendly hybrid technology with a practical, stylish and capable SUV is a significant step for us towards meeting these demands,” Hart says.

The power-split architecture combines a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, electric motor and generator, and 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 165kW.

Its battery can be recharged using an integrated charging port and is automatically replenished on the move using regenerative charging.

Drivers can choose when and how to deploy battery power using EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge modes. When the battery reaches its lowest state-of-charge, the Escape automatically reverts to EV Auto mode – supplementing petrol engine power with electric motor assistance using recaptured energy for optimised fuel-efficiency.

Further specification and New Zealand-market details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the 2020 launch.