Ford’s New Hybrid Transmission Paves Way for Future
The upcoming 2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid will see the debut of a new transmission system that Ford dubs “modular hybrid technology.” While this transmission is aimed at helping the new hybrid return better fuel economy, it will also be vital for capability purposes, which is why Ford also intends to apply the technology to its upcoming F-150 Hybrid and Bronco Hybrid.
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“Hybrids are more than just fuel efficiency,” said Dave Filipe, Ford’s vice president of powertrain engineering. “Whatever solutions we provide have to be no-compromise, especially as we get into the larger vehicles. We need to create something different to get the right answer for this customer segment.”
According to Automotive News, the hybrid transmission slots into any rear-wheel-drive vehicle that utilizes the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission as they share about 90 percent common parts. The difference with the modular hybrid technology transmission is its use of an electric motor, which provides more power and better low-end torque. This is what enables the upcoming Explorer Limited Hybrid to put out 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque, tow up to 5,000 pounds, and still return a 500-mile range.
Ford has confirmed that the Ford F-150 Hybrid will enter production at its Rouge complex by next year, and it confirmed earlier this month at an investor meeting that a hybrid version of the Bronco is forthcoming.
For the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid and Escape Plug-In Hybrid and other smaller front-wheel-drive hybrids, Ford will instead use an electronic continuously variable transmission that will enable a top speed of 85 mph using battery power alone.
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News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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