330-volt Nickel-metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery Pack
Battery Recycling Program
Battery Safety
Regenerative Braking System
PERFORMANCE/HANDLING
This page is about:
2007 Escape Hybrid
Performance/Handling
8
May 2006
MustangExplorer Escape Hybrid
330-volt Nickel-metal Hydride
(Ni-MH) Battery Pack
• Powers the electric traction motor as needed (electric
traction motor provides high torque for 0–60 V-6-like
acceleration)
• Stores regenerative braking energy
• Does not need to be plugged in (recharged by the engine
and regenerative braking)
• Driver can monitor battery state via an instrument panel
battery state gauge
• Encased in the rear of the vehicle at the loadfloor
(placement does not affect cargo space — has virtually
same cargo space as Escape)
• Battery pack weighs approximately 200 lbs.
Battery Recycling Program
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are environmentally responsible
and recyclable as well. This recyclability will become
increasingly important as larger numbers of hybrids enter the
market. When scrapping an Escape Hybrid, the dealer
responsible for disposal can follow the instructions on the main
label located on the top of the battery.
Battery Safety
Escape Hybrid’s battery pack is completely sealed and
securely encased below the rear loadfloor. Consumers should
not be concerned about any problems with high voltage or
electrolyte contamination, even in an accident. (Consumers
should not tamper with the battery or the high voltage system.)
• Inertia switches — In an accident, two inertia switches will
shut off the battery pack and the fuel supply
• Battery disconnect — The battery pack is also disconnected
any time the key is turned off or the 12-volt (underhood)
battery is disconnected
• Repairs to the hybrid system should only be performed by a
Ford certified technician
Regenerative Braking System
• Captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during
vehicle braking, generates electricity and recharges Escape
Hybrid’s battery pack
• Lets Escape Hybrid operate without the need to “plug in” to
recharge the battery
• Better fuel economy than a similar-size SUV because driving
on battery power uses no gasoline
Powertrain Operation cont’d
