[Kool_ZX3]

OAC_Sparky,Aug 23 2005, 09:13 PM Wrote:

FocusGuy7476,Aug 21 2005, 11:08 AM Wrote:wonder if ford will develop its owns hybrid technology or just continune to use the same tech from toyota.
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Please educate yourself on the subject before making erroneous blanket statements like that.

First off, Ford doesn't use Toyota hybrid technology. That is a misnomer perpetuated by the media.

Ford's hybrid technology was developed on its own. Certain components that are common to Toyota and Ford's system were licensed, only because ( a ) the technologies were similar on paper and licensing the tech is preferable to a legal challenge that would hold up product release, and ( b ) there are components that both Toyota and Ford BOTH buy from third-party vendors (ie. battery packs developed and sold by (IIRC)Toshiba, that were not developed by Ford NOR Toyota) but Toyota "licensed" the tech first (with the Prius) and subsequent developers have to come to them.

Were you aware that Toyota licenses diesel technology from Ford? And the cost of those licenses is 5X the value of the licenses Ford bought from Toyota for hybrid technology?

Probably not, because the media loves to perpetuate how domestic manufacturers are vastly inferior.

scoobasteve,Aug 23 2005, 09:39 AM Wrote:How much does a battery cost for a hybrid again?  3k? 4k?
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At present, estimated are more into the $8-$10 G range. It is too early to say because most hybrids are still under warranty; by the time the 8ish year lifespan is kaput the cost will vary depending on market forces. Meaning, right now because manufacturers (like Toyota and Ford) have cornered the manufacturing capacity (ie. battery manufacturing capacity is what is limiting sales, not demand), right now it would be a very expensive time to replace a battery, if you could procure a replacement battery at all.

Which brings to mind the argument against hybrids. By weighing the difference in costs at initial purchase, and maintenance, and the fact that hybrids are almost always LESS efficient on the highway, gas would have to hit $2.00 to $2.50 a litre to be a real financial investment.

The only real world benefit is strictly city driving and environmental because of emmisions. Even the latter is suspect because nobody knows at present the recycleability of the spent batteries.

Frost__2001,Aug 23 2005, 07:42 PM Wrote:I donno.......... but it would be cool to see a few Hybrid Foci, or SUVs by ford out there other then just the escape.
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From what I've heard, there will be a hybrid version of the Ford Edge we are to be building in Oakville.
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:D I was hoping u were going to chime in :lol: