DAVE Posted July 17, 2013 at 01:01 PM Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 at 01:01 PM Here's an article I read and thought it might be a good topic. ------------------------------- Apparently the window stickers of Ford's hybrid line didn't tell the whole story when it came to gas mileage. After a series of class-action lawsuits regarding fuel usage estimates and Consumer Reports noticing the vast disparity between what was advertised and what was possible, the blue oval company is finally paying the piper. To make it right, the Dearborn automaker is offering a free software update for C-MAX, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models starting this August. There are a slew of fixes beyond supposedly better fuel efficiency, but perhaps the most dramatic is an increase in electric-only top speed. After the patch, the gas motor kicks in when the power plant reaches 85MPH, instead of the previous 62MPH threshold http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/17/ford-hybrid-fuel-mileage-patch-august/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timf Posted July 17, 2013 at 01:10 PM Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 at 01:10 PM I haven't seen any mention of this applying to the Energi models. I think they already incorporate a number of the changes such as the 85 MPH top electric speed, and I haven't really seen any complaints of Energis not living up to the advertised mileage ratings when running in hybrid mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TX NRG Posted July 17, 2013 at 01:45 PM Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 at 01:45 PM The announced updates do not apply to the Energi PHEVs. From a Detroit Free Press article: "Raj Nair, Ford’s head of global product development, said the voluntary action is not related to the lawsuits, but rather is part of continuous improvement efforts. He would not say how much better mileage will get nor did he estimate the cost of the dealer actions. But he did say the software changes will not change the EPA ratings and the government agency is aware of the program. The calibrations are designed to reduce the variability of the mileage different drivers get on the road with hybrids, more so than with gasoline-powered vehicles. Among the calibration changes: ■ The hybrids will automatically remain in electric-only mode to a top speed of 85 m.p.h., up from 62 m.p.h. now. ■ Active grille shutters will close in cold weather or when the air conditioner is running to warm or cool the cabin faster, allowing the batteries to kick in sooner to run in electric mode. ■ Fan speed will be reduced, requiring less fuel to operate. ■ The engine will warm up 50% faster, which allows stop-start technology to work faster, saving fuel when the vehicle turns itself off when idled. The changes do not affect Ford’s Fusion and C-Max plug-in hybrids, Nair said." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsamp Posted July 18, 2013 at 07:49 PM Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 at 07:49 PM I'd love to see this for Ford's other hybrids as well. My biggest complaint with my '07 Escape Hybrid is that it takes FOREVER to warm up and shut off the engine. On many of my local trips to the store it won't shut off until I'm about 1/4-1/2 mile away from home on the return trip. I've wasted all that gas doing 2mph in the store parking lot and sitting at stoplights, where the gas engine should be off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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