Cars-Pickup-Truck: >>Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2009–present
Model years	2010-present
Assembly	Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Ford Fusion sedan developed by the Ford Motor Company, and launched to the U.S. market in March 2009 as a 2010 model, together with its twin the Mercury Milan Hybrid.The 2013 model year Ford Fusion Hybrid was unveiled at the January 2012North American International Auto Show, and sales of the next generation hybrid are scheduled to begin by the third quarter of 2012, followed by a plug-in hybrid version named Ford Fusion Energi by early 2013.

In January 2010 the Fusion Hybrid won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp) for city and 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg_-imp) for highway. When driving on electric-only mode (EV mode) the Fusion can achieve 47 mph and up to 2 miles (3.2 km) of continuous EV driving under ideal conditions. A full tank delivers 700 miles (1,126.5 km) in city driving.

First generation

First generation

Production	2009-2012
Model years	2009-2012
Platform	Ford CD3 platform
Engine	Gasoline: I4 2.5 L /156 hp (116 kW) Atkinson cycle Electric: Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor 106 hp (79 kW) @ 6,500 rpm, 275 volts
Transmission	Aisin power split device
Wheelbase	107.4 in (2,728 mm)
Length	190.6 in (4,841 mm)
Width	72.2 in (1,834 mm)
Height	56.9 in (1,445 mm)
Curb weight	3,720 lb (1,690 kg)
Related	Mercury Milan Hybrid Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Ford Fusion

History and development

The hybrid electric version of the Fusion was announced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, along with the public introduction of the original 2006 Fusion. At that time Ford announced that the hybrid version was scheduled to be introduced in early 2009 for the 2010 model year, for a suggested retail price of US$27,270.The new Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Sport officially debuted at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008.

The Fusion Hybrid is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant, located in Sonora, Mexico. Ford set a modest sales target of about 25,000 vehicles a year for the Fusion Hybrid and the similar Mercury Milan.

The Milan and Fusion hybrids share the same powertrain but feature different front and rear fascia designs, and distinct headlamps and taillights.

The Fusion Hybrid was made available for press testing in December 2008 and launched to the U.S market in March 2009. During the same month two other new hybrid models also came on sale, the Honda Insight and the Mercury Milan.During the few days that were available to the public, Ford's new Fusion and Milan hybrids sold a combined 451 units, representing 3.0% of all Fusion and Milan models sold in March 2009.

The Fusion is the first new hybrid vehicle the Ford brand offered in five years, and is the second hybrid vehicle after the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid for Mexican-built hybrid vehicles.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, launched in the U.S. market in September 2010, shares the hybrid powertrain from the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, and delivers an estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg_-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp). The MKZ Hybrid offers several improvements of Ford's Smart Gauge with EcoGuide, first introduced in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid.

Design and technology

The Fusion Hybrid is a "full" hybrid because both propulsion sources, an electric motor powered by a Sanyo supplied 275 V nickel-metal hydride battery, and a 2.5L Atkinson cycle I4 156 hp 136 ft.lbs. gas engine with late intake valve closing (iVCT), have substantial power ratings and either can be used alone to propel the vehicle.When braking or decelerating, the Fusion's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. Ford claims that nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving. Under ideal conditions, Ford claims the Fusion Hybrid can cruise 2 miles (3.2 km) at up to 47 miles per hour (76 km/h) on battery power alone.

Safety

The Ford Fusion line-up was included in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2010 "Top Safety Pick's" rating for the mid-size category. As of June 2010, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are the only two mid-size hybrid vehicles in the list. Due to the fact that Ford recently modified and strengthened the roof structure of the Flex, Fusion, and MKT vehicles, these 2010 ratings apply only to Lincoln MKZs, Mercury Milan and Fusions built after April 2010.

Fuel economy and environmental performance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the fuel economy for the 2010 Fusion Hybrid at 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp) city, 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg_-imp) highway. The following table compares fuel economy, carbon footprint, and petroleum consumption between the hybrid version and other drivetrains of the Fusion family as estimated by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy:

Economic and environmental performance comparison among the several Fusion powertrains available in the U.S. market
Type of Powertrain	Type of fuel	Year model	EPA City mileage (mpg)	EPA Highway mileage (mpg)	Annual fuel cost ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾ (USD)	Carbon footprint (Ton/yr of CO₂) ⁽³⁾	Annual Petroleum Use (barrel)
Hybrid electric FWD Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5L	Gasoline	2011	41	36	$1,083	4.8	8.8
FWD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L	Gasoline	2011	23	33	$1,629	7.2	13.2
FWD Automatic (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0L	Gasoline	2011	20	28	$1,840	8.1	14.9
FWD Automatic (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0L	E85 flex-fuel	2011	14	21	$2,269	6.6	5.0
FWD Automatic (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5L	Gasoline	2011	18	27	$2,013	8.9	16.3
AWD Automatic (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0L	Gasoline	2011	18	26	$2,115	9.3	17.1
AWD Automatic (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0L	E85 flex-fuel	2011	13	19	$2,421	7.1	5.3
Notes: (1) Estimates assumes 45% highway driving, 55% city driving, and 15,000 annual miles. (2) Average U.S. prices: $2.82/gallon for gasoline, and $2.42/gallon for E85 fuel. E85 prices vary widely by region. As of early November 2010 the minimum price was $2.02/gallon in Illinois and the maximum price was $2.99/gallon in New York.(3) Direct carbon footprint only and does not account for any potential indirect land use change impacts of biofuels.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid EPA's fuel economy rating is better than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid (32 miles per gallon city, 33 highway), the Nissan Altima Hybrid (35 miles per gallon city, 33 highway), and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (26 miles per gallon city, 34 highway), considered its main competitors in the mid-size sedan segment. The newer 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE model (43 miles per gallon city, 39 highway) now has an advantage over the 2012 Ford Fusion (41 miles per gallon city, 39 highway) by a slight margin in the city.

Economic and environmental performance comparison
among the Fusion Hybrid and same class hybrid models available in the U.S.

Vehicle	Year model	EPA City mileage (mpg)	EPA Highway mileage (mpg)	Annual fuel cost ⁽¹⁾ (USD)	Tailpipe emissions (grams per mile CO₂)	EPA Air Pollution Score Cal/Other⁽²⁾	Annual Petroleum Use (barrel)
Toyota Prius (3rd gen)	2010/11/12	51	48	$1,150	178	9/7	6.6
Honda Civic Hybrid	2012	44	44	$1,300	202	9/8	7.5
Toyota Prius v	2012	44	40	$1,350	212	8/7	7.8
Lexus CT 200h	2011/12	43	40	$1,350	212	8/7	7.8
Honda Insight (2nd gen)	2012	41	41	$1,350	212	9/7	7.8
Honda Civic Hybrid	2010	40	45	$1,350	212	9/8	7.8
Honda Civic Hybrid	2011	40	43	$1,400	217	9/8	8.0
Honda Insight (2nd gen)	2010/11	40	43	$1,400	217	9/8	8.0
Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (XV50)	2012	43	39	$1,400	217	9/7	8.0
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE (XV50)	2012	40	38	$1,400	222	9/7	8.2
Ford Fusion Hybrid Mercury Milan Hybrid Lincoln MKZ Hybrid	2010/11/12 2010/11 2011/12	41	36	$1,450	228	9/7	8.4
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Kia Optima Hybrid	2011/12	35	40	$1,550	240	8/8	8.9
Nissan Altima Hybrid	2010	35	33	$1,650	261	9	9.7
Toyota Camry Hybrid	2010	33	34	$1,650	261	9/7	9.7
Nissan Altima Hybrid	2011	33	33	$1,700	269	9	10.0
Toyota Camry Hybrid	2011	31	35	$1,700	269	9/7	10.0
Notes: (1) Estimates assumes 15,000 miles (24,000 km) per year (45% highway, 55% city split) using average fuel price $3.79/gallon (national average as of March 2012). (2) Cal: California and Northeastern States; Other: All states except California and Northeastern States. The Nissan Altima Hybrid was available only in California. Source: U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

In 2009, Edmunds tested a Fusion Hybrid over two days of mixed city and highway driving against other hybrids or fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and the MINI Cooper with manual transmission. The results are summarized in the following table:

Edmunds comparison of the Fusion Hybrid
with several hybrids and fuel efficient cars
(mpg)

Vehicle	Back roads	City loop	Highway	Overall	EPA City/Hwy
2010 Toyota Prius	47.2	48.7	47.4	47.6	51/48
2010 Honda Insight	44.1	43.4	38.6	42.3	40/43
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI A6	41.2	31.6	40.6	38.1	29/40
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid	39.6	35.1	36.0	37.3	41/36
2009 MINI Cooper M6	38.5	30.1	33.3	34.5	28/37

Motor Trend found that their Fusion Hybrid delivered only 33.5 miles per US gallon (7.02 L/100 km; 40.2 mpg_-imp) in 500 miles (800 km) of mixed driving, 5 miles per US gallon (47 L/100 km; 6.0 mpg_-imp) off the EPA combined rating. Over another 160 miles (260 km) of testing against a Toyota Camry Hybrid, the same car only achieved 31.8 miles per US gallon (7.40 L/100 km; 38.2 mpg_-imp), while the Camry Hybrid delivered 32.7 miles per US gallon (7.19 L/100 km; 39.3 mpg_-imp). "If our early numbers hold up, the Fusion Hybrid would be a rare instance of the EPA relapsing into the world of mileage make-believe." However, they noted that when driven very conservatively, the EPA numbers could be achieved. "In typical driving, you might as well throw the Fusion's EPA numbers out the window. But if you decide to really work at it, they're possible."Car and Driver also tested a Fusion Hybrid and achieved no more than 34 miles per US gallon (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg_-imp) over 300 miles (480 km) of driving, which was greater than the Camry Hybrid (31 miles per US gallon (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg_-imp)) or Nissan Altima Hybrid (32 miles per US gallon (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg_-imp)) though not by the margin indicated by the EPA ratings.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid promotional vehicle involved in the 1000 Mile Challenge

According to Ford, the vehicle was built to have a fuel efficiency of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway by EPA standards. On December 2008, Autoblog Green staff reported they had obtained in-city mileage of 43.1 mpg on the streets of Los Angeles. In addition, a Los Angeles Times reporter informed in December 2008 that he had obtained 52 mpg in mixed city-highway driving with little difficulty.

On a single-tank publicity stunt conducted on April 2009, a Fusion Hybrid managed 81.5 miles per US gallon (2.89 L/100 km; 97.9 mpg_-imp) on a 1,445.7 mile trip.

Edmunds' InsideLine received a 2010 Fusion Hybrid as a long-term test car. Over 11,000 miles (18,000 km) of driving, their vehicle had only averaged 31.3 mpg_-US (7.51 L/100 km; 37.6 mpg_-imp), with a best tank of 37.7 mpg_-US (6.24 L/100 km; 45.3 mpg_-imp) and a worst tank of 24.4 mpg_-US (9.64 L/100 km; 29.3 mpg_-imp).

Payback time

According to Edmunds.com, the price premium paid for the Fusion Hybrid takes 5 years to recover in fuel savings as compared to its non-hybrid sibling, and is one of the quickest payback periods among top selling hybrids as of February 2012. Edmunds compared the hybrid version priced at US$27,678 with a comparably-equipped gasoline-powered Fusion priced at US$24,493 and found that the payback period is 6 years for gasoline at US$3 per gallon, 4 years at US$4 per gallon, and drops to 3 years with gasoline prices at US$5per gallon. These estimates assume an average of 15,000 mi (24,000 km) annual driving and vehicle prices correspond to Edmunds.com's true market value estimates.For the same two vehicles, the U.S. EPA estimates the Fusion Hybrid annual fuel cost atUS$1,431 while the gasoline-powered Fusion has an annual fuel cost of US$2,2,320. EPA estimates are based on 45% highway and 55% city driving, over 15,000 annual miles, and gasoline price of US$3.72 per gallon, the national average as of February 2012. TheLincoln MKZ Hybrid has no price premium.

SmartGauge for eco driving

Digital panels to keep track of eco driving style (top) and current drive propulsion (bottom).

The Fusion Hybrid comes with a SmartGauge with EcoGuide which features two 4.3-inch high-resolution, full-color LCD screens on either side of the vehicle’s analog speedometer. The objective of these panel display is to coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid by keeping track of their eco driving improvements.

These screens can be configured to show different levels of driver information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant fuel economy. When set in tutorial mode, the instrument panel in the right side “grows” leaves and vines on-screen to reward fuel-efficient driving. The more leaves and vines that appear, the more efficient the driving behavior is and the more fuel is being saved. Long-term fuel efficiency can be also be displayed as a traditional chart. The left side display shows when the car is in pure-electric mode, and shows the state of battery charge.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, launched in September 2010, offers an improvement of Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide introduced with the 2010 Fusion and Milan hybrids.

Tax credit

The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a maximum hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 if purchased by March 31, 2009. The credit dropped to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, to US$850 if purchased from October 2009 and March 31, 2010, and phased out on April 1, 2010.

Other markets

The Brazilian version of the Fusion Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 São Paulo International Auto Show. Sales will begin in November 2010 at a price of R$133.900 (~US$78.500), and Fusion Hybrid will become the first full hybrid car sold in Brazil.Imported from Mexico, the Fusion Hybrid engine performance and fuel system durability has been tested with the Brazilian mandatory E20 to E25 ethanol blends.

Second generation

Second generation

Production	2012-
Model years	2013-
Platform	Ford EUCD platform
Engine	2.0L I4
Transmission	CVT
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2,850 mm)
Length	191.7 in (4,869 mm)
Width	72.9 in (1,852 mm)
Height	58.1 in (1,476 mm)
Related	Ford Mondeo

A complete redesign of the Ford Fusion lineup for the model year 2013 was unveiled at 2012 North American International Auto Show. The new lineup includes three optional engines for the conventional four-cylinder-only gasoline model, a next-generation hybrid version, and a plug-in hybrid version, the Ford Fusion Energi. The Ford Fusion will become the first production sedan to offer these three powertrain options. Sales of the gasoline-powered and hybrid version are scheduled to begin in the U.S. by the third quarter of 2012.Sales in Europe and Asia, under the Ford Mondeo name, are expected to begin in 2013. In April 2012 Ford announced that an auto start-stop system will be available for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine non-hybrid version, at a price of US$295. The expected fuel economy is a combined 37 mpg_-US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_-imp).

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid rear view

The nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the hybrid first generation are replaced with lithium-ion batteries. According to Ford, the 2013 model year Fusion Hybrid is more fuel efficient than its predecessor, with an estimated EPA rating of 47 mpg_-US(5.0 L/100 km; 56 mpg_-imp) in the city and 44 mpg_-US (5.3 L/100 km; 53 mpg_-imp) in highway driving.Ford noted that the new Fusion Hybrid fuel economy will outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg_-US (59 L/100 km; 4.8 mpg_-imp) city and 5 mpg_-US (47 L/100 km; 6.0 mpg_-imp) highway, and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg_-US (20 L/100 km; 14 mpg_-imp) and 4 mpg_-US (59 L/100 km; 4.8 mpg_-imp), respectively.

The second generation hybrid has a powertrain with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four – downsized from the 2.5-liter unit used in the current Fusion Hybrid. Total output is estimated at 185 hp (138 kW) and 130 ft·lb (180 N·m), running to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.The lithium-ion battery pack saves weight and generates more power than previous NiMH batteries, and allows the second generation Fusion Hybrid to raise its maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 to 62 mph (76 to 100 km/h).

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid was unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show

The 2013 Fusion Hybrid will included driver assistance and technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position (Lane Keeping System); adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions through adaptive cruise control; active park assist to help identify suitable parking spaces and help park; and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, which consists of sensors in both rear quarter-panels that are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic unseen by the driver is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed.

During the 2012 North American International Auto Show Ford also unveiled the Lincoln MKZ concept model. Ford will also offer a hybrid option of the redesigned 2013 Lincoln MKZ, expected to be available by late 2012.

Plug-in hybrid

Ford's leaf road logo badge used for the Fusion Energi.

The Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid and it was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. According to Ford, when operating in all-electric mode the Fusion Energi will deliver an estimated EPA rating of 100 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) (2.4 L/100 km equivalent).

The Fusion Energi uses the same non-turbo 2-liter 4-cylinder engine supplements as the Fusion Hybrid to assist the electric motor. All-electric range and other specifications were not announced.The Fusion Energi estimated fuel economy equivalent (in MPGe) is 8 mpg_-US(29 L/100 km; 9.6 mpg_-imp) equivalent better than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 mpg_-US(18 L/100 km; 16 mpg_-imp) equivalent more than the expected efficiency of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid model.Sales are scheduled to begin by early 2013.

Awards and recognitions

In April 2009 Kelley Blue Book included the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid among its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".
The 2009 U.S. News & World Report car ranking for best affordable mid-size cars is led by the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid followed by the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 2010 Toyota Prius is ranked No. 4 together with the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks No. 12.
In November 2009, the entire 2010 Ford Fusion line-up, including the Fusion Hybrid, was selected as the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
In December 2009 Car and Driver magazine listed the 2010 Fusion Hybrid among one of the "10 Best Cars". The magazine stated that the Fusion Hybrid was the most advanced of all the cars they tested.
In December 2009 Automobile Magazine named the Fusion Hybrid one of the 2010 Automobile All-Stars.
In January 2010 the Fusion Hybrid won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award at the Detroit Auto Show.
In February 2010 Consumer Reports included the Fusion Hybrid in the "American Top Picks 2010" leading the Green Car category.
In April 2010 Kelley Blue Book again included the Ford Fusion Hybrid among its 2010 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".
In March 2010 Mother Earth News included the 2010 Fusion Hybrid in its list of "Best Green Cars of 2010".
In February 2011 Consumer Reports included the Fusion Hybrid in the "American Top Picks 2011" leading the Green Car category.

Sales

The Fusion Hybrid is identified by Ford's leaf road logo badge.

During 2009 the Fusion Hybrid sold in the U.S. market a total of 15,554 units and the Milan Hybrid 1,486 units, as reported by the manufacturers. Although the Fusion Hybrid helped Ford bypass Honda to become the second biggest seller of hybrids in the US market in the month of December 2009, for the whole year of 2009, Honda sold more hybrid vehicles (35,691 units) than Ford (33,520 units) and the 2010 Honda Insight also outsold the Fusion Hybrid, with 20,572 units.

For the year 2010, U.S. sales of Ford Fusion Hybrid reached of 20,816 units, helping the model to become the third best selling hybrid in 2010 after the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.The Milan Hybrid sold 1,416 units in 2010 and its production was discontinued as part of Ford's decision to phase out the entire Mercury brand. Purchases from the Obama administration accounted for almost a third of the Ford Fusion Hybrids produced between 2009 and late 2010.

Ford reported that Fusion sales reached 151,004 units through July 2011, of which, 7,780 were the hybrid version, representing a 5.1% market share of all Fusion sales. Considering cumulative sales of 7,996 units until August 2011, the Fusion Hybrid ranked as the fifth most sold hybrid model in 2011, and was outsold only by the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Honda CR-Z, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius.During year 2011, the Fusion Hybrid sold 11,286 units and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sold 5,739 units, ranking sixth and tenth correspondingly, in hybrid sales for calendar year 2011.