Ford, U of M To Develop Future Hybrid Vehicles
Published:21-October-2009
By Staff Reporter
Still in its early research stages
Ford and the University of Michigan are working together on a new project to accelerate the development of future hybrid vehicles.
The research is still in its early research stages. Researchers are analyzing data from 2,500 road trips to determine how internal electronic vehicle controls could be tweaked to further improve fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive attributes.
Ryan McGee, supervisor of Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design in Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering, said: "The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available, and its performance is second to none. Our work with U of M is helping us develop the next generation of Ford hybrids and bring them to market even faster."
The company, working with U of M, has tested nearly 1 million design simulations of hybrid vehicle control systems to date and continues to conduct approximately 50,000 a week, a development speed that otherwise would not be possible. Other academic work in hybrid vehicle technology primarily has been focused on fuel economy.
Currently, Ford has four hybrid vehicles on sale, with more electrified vehicles coming.
The new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid deliver 41 mpg in the city - 8 mpg better than Toyota Camry Hybrid, making them the fuel-efficient midsize sedans in America. The Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid deliver 34 mpg in the city, better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Further, the company also plans to produce a pure battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010, a battery electric Focus compact car in 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in 2012.
