Mild-hybrid versions of the Fiesta and Focus lead a major electrification strategy that Ford plans to unveil at an event in Amsterdam next week.
The ‘Go Further experience’ will see the brand details what it describes as its ‘vision for a new era of mobility’ that will include ‘a new generation of smart vehicles for a smart world, delivering a diverse range of powertrain solutions tailored to customer needs.’
The new 48-volt mild-hybrid Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models will be introduced in 2020, as part of what Ford describes as a comprehensive and compelling new line-up of hybrid and all-electric cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles.
Both cars will use their hybrid systems to both improve fuel economy and power and response. The system replaces the standard alternator with a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) , enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the three-cylinder 1.0‑litre EcoBoost combustion engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the car’s electrical ancillaries.
Bigger turbo
As a result, Ford promises more response at lower engine speeds, while the system has also allowed engine power to be boosted by a larger turbocharger, the hybrid compensating for turbo lag.
While full technical details are yet to be released, Ford states that the Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid should offer CO2 emissions from 112 g/km and fuel-efficiency from 57.6 mpg. for the Focus EcoBoost Hybrid the figures will be from 106 g/km, and 60.1 mpg.
Ford has already released a full hybrid version of the Mondeo estate and intends to add the mild-hybrid powertrain to the Transit two-tonne and Transit Custom vans, and the Tourneo Custom eight/nine-seater people-mover.
Ford had previously announced that every model line from the latest Focus onwards, both in cars and vans, will include one or more electrified options – either a mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery electric model.
