Ford Fusion Hybrid Breaks Record

The Ford Fusion hybrid has smashed a world record in fuel-efficient driving across America.

After assembling a crack squad of highly skilled drivers the challenge team set out to show just how efficient as petrol powered vehicle can be.

Using a hybrid drive engine which is powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine the team drove 1,445.7 miles from a single tank of petrol. The team achieved this by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon almost double what the certified rate is.

Called the Ford Fusion 1000-Mile challenge started from one side of the country and ended up in Washington DC after 89 hours of continuous driving. The team has set a new record for the best mileage ever recorded from a midsized sedan and in doing so has raised more than $8,000 for Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs.

“The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

The team achieved this feat through a series of driving style modifications in a term they have called hypermiling. Some of the techniques include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed;
• and Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99’ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races.

“There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

E. Dooley

08/05/2009