Ford is set to announce a swathe of hybrid electrification across its hatchback and commercial vehicles.
Among the models to benefit from a spot of electrification are the Fiesta and Focus – two of Britain’s biggest selling cars.
Those expecting the Tourneo to turn into a Tesla shouldn’t hold their breath though. We’re not looking at fully electric cars here, but rather a “mild hybrid” system that works with a traditional engine to deliver better economy and lower emissions.
Ford says that new 48-volt mild-hybrid Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models will be introduced next year.
The Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid is anticipated to have CO2 emissions from 112g/km, while the Focus EcoBoost Hybrid will have emissions starting from 106g/km.
As is the case with the mild hybrid systems we’ve seen other manufacturers introduce, a normal alternator is replaced by a generator that’s able to recoup energy usually lost during braking, using it to charge a 48v battery pack.
This captured energy is fed into a motor that supplements the engine, leading to better economy and also more power.
The hybrid Fiesta and Focus will be launched at an event next week alongside mild-hybrid versions of Ford’s Transit van and Tourneo people carrier. The company also says it will reveal “significant electrification, commercial vehicle and SUV news” at the event.
“Our 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has already proven that fuel-efficiency and performance can go hand-in-hand. Our EcoBoost Hybrid technology takes that to the next level,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president of marketing, sales and service for Ford of Europe.
Ford has previously announced that every vehicle it launches in the future, whether new models or updated versions of existing cars, will be offered with a mild-hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric powertrain.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk