GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post

sdctcher · #3 (**permalink**) 01-10-2005, 07:30 PM

I would love to have a car like yours Wayne to beat your Maximum MPG. Unfortunately, living in the Neatherworld in the desert, I must have a 4WD truck like the Ford Escape Hybrid to get through the Muck and Guck and Sand. My truck will never match your car but I would bet I can go off-road and beat you. I bet I can beat a Ranger in most catagories.

Today I heard back from the CRC on the possible donation of my beloved FEH for fuel trials for three weeks. I was a bit suspicious so I contacted Conoco Phillips and the project manager for the CRC replied within hours:
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Mr. Maline:

I received your message about your Ford Escape via both Ken Wright and Jan Tucker, and I can assure you that this a valid request (although I think you were extremely wise to check it out!).

The Coordinating Research Council is an organization that coordinates research between the automotive and petroleum industries on matters of mutual interest. CRC's work is held in high regard by both industries and the government, because it is unbiased by the very nature of it.

CRC is currently attempting to develop a vehicle test that will evaluate the performance of hybrid vehicles when using various fuel properties. That has nothing to do with the octane of the fuel, the brand name of the fuel, or the quality of the fuel. This test will evaluate the vehicle's performance with various fuel properties that are inherent to the fuel. We have been doing this testing with conventional vehicles for over 40 years.

In the upcoming workshop, we will be taking the first step in developing this test for hybrid vehicles. As Ken Wright told you, there will only be two fuels used in this workshop, both of which are typical of marketplace fuels. Your vehicle will be in no danger of being damaged or affected by these fuels.

The testing will be done on a closed course in Yakima, Washington. We have been testing at this location since 1989 because it provides the ambient conditions we need. Yakima has very stable weather - it's relatively easy to predict the temperatures, and it has very little precipitation since it is in the desert.

We are especially looking for the Ford Escape, because we do not have one yet in our test fleet. We have access to the Hondas and Toyotas, but we are lacking on the domestic vehicles.

As Ken mentioned, we would arrange for transportation of your vehicle to and from Yakima and for a rental vehicle for your use during the testing. We would need your vehicle in Yakima from January 31st through February 19th.

I hope I've answered many of the questions I anticipate that you would have - please let me know if you have other questions. We would very much like to use your vehicle in our testing, and we sincerely appreciate your interest in this.

Beth Evans
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Some have told me I am a Saint for sacrificing my car on the altar of research for the common good. The Ford Hybrid Marketing Manager told me he would not do it with his car. I believe in my car. Maybe he does not drive a FEH? Anyway doing this will give me access to test protocolss and a copy of the research paper and maybe give us all insights on why hybrids do worse in cold weather. I wish Ford could have donated a few cars for this study. Apparently there are plenty of Toys and Hondas.

All the rental companies tell me that they do not offer Hybrids. That is a shame. Ford tells me they do not sell to rental companies. That is a shame. Apparently, I can get a Toy Hybrid through TRAK. Maybe I will just let CRC rent me a 4WD. Anyway I am not a saint but I do believe in hybrids.

Mike