The Escape Hybrid customer service line (866-637-2273) says Ford has
submitted documentation to the IRS to qualify the 2005 Escape for a
clean-fuel tax deduction for this year. Ford says they expect a
decision from the IRS "in a couple of weeks" in the form of a
release on the IRS web site.

Car makers must request the deduction from the IRS and certify the
cost of hybrid production. As of today, the only approved hybrid
models are listed here:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/...104549,00.html

From the IRS release:

"These vehicles qualify for the clean-fuel vehicle deduction:

Toyota Prius — Model Years 2001 through 2005
Honda Insight — Model Years 2000 through 2004
Honda Civic Hybrid — Model Years 2003 and 2004"