Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid Flexible Fuel vehicle remains the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world, combining the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a full hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape. The vehicle is the world's first Hybrid Flexible Fuel vehicle and will produce up to 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the traditional hybrid Escape that uses regular gasoline.

The Escape Hybrid is a "full" hybrid, meaning it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure E85 power or a combined operation to maximize efficiency and performance. Its E85 engine and electric motor work in concert, providing performance similar to that of a V-6 engine. The Escape Hybrid achieves its greatest improvement in fuel economy during stop-and-go driving when the electric motor operates alone up to 25 mph. Ford utilizes flexible fuel technology to enable the demonstration E85 hybrids to run on ethanol or gasoline.

VeraSun Energy took possession of one of the Ford Escape Hybrid FFVs in July 2007 as part of its continuing partnership with Ford Motor Co. VeraSun will test the Escape Hybrid FFV for a two-year period to demonstrate the benefit of converging flexible fuel and hybrid technologies.

VeraSun and Ford first announced a strategic partnership in October 2005. In June 2006, the two companies opened the "Ethanol Corridor" by adding 14 VE85^® - VeraSun's branded E85 - stations between Chicago and St. Louis. Initially launched in May 2005, VE85^® has expanded its availability from seven stations in Sioux Falls to more than 90 retail locations in nine states and Washington, D.C.