Frank Giovinazzi (Carbuyersnotebook) has been posting on hybrids recently. He had an interesting post with Thomas Gee, Ford's manager of strategy and implementation controls for hybrid programs the other day. His information is in "Podcast" form (click here for permalink), which I have been enjoying quite a bit lately. In the interview, Mr. Gee reveals a bit about program, as well as gives some fuel saving tips. I found the information on Ford's hybrid technology enlightening. (remember ... I'm a non-hybrid driver)

--RichC --- "My Desultory Blog" & CinciTDI Club

I listened to the show.

In the FE savings tips, I think the Ford guy is wrong is suggesting that the battery be used in isolation instead of the engine to accelerate. The stored energy is put to much better use in low power demand situations, e.g. in prolonging a glide; or in assist mode to keep the engine in the efficient range of it's power output curve.

As for the "hybrid tech, created in the US" propaganda -- goebbels would be proud. Anybody have access to a listing of the hybrid related patent portfolio of Ford, as it is implemented in the Ford Escape ? A compare and contrast with Toyota would be telling.

R2-E2, 2G Prius.
Highway/City/Husband/Wife MPG: 56.5, as of 12/2005, 26K miles

Jac Nasser, Ford President: "We are planning to launch a hybrid version of
this car [P2000] within this year [1998]. We will also make FCEV available in
2004."

There were some 100 patents issued on the FEH. IIRC only about 12 were licensed from Toyota to prevent future lawsuits.

Hi Rich C:

___Thanks for the link. Gee gave a good overview of what Ford is attempting to do which is a far cry from most other manufacturers as of late unfortunately

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes