[Auto]New S-Max Hybrid: The Electrified Vehicle That Reaffirms Ford's Electric Future

[SougarLord]

 

Thanks to innovative engineering solutions, it has been possible to incorporate into the elegant and versatile body of the S-MAX a low consumption hybrid powertrain - consisting of an electric and a gasoline block - without compromising space, flexibility or the sporty driving experience of the model. The new S-MAX Hybrid reduces CO2 emissions by more than 10 percent (WLTP) compared to the equivalent EcoBlue diesel powertrain.

The combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, an electric motor, and the latest generation of Ford's power-split transmission allows for a seamless driving experience, which helps Active families to reduce their CO2 emissions while enjoying more relaxed trips. Electric power comes into play in a smart way, either to boost the fuel efficiency of the gasoline engine or to offer quiet, purely electric driving for short periods, depending on the scenario.

 

The battery is charged automatically thanks to the action of the gasoline engine and regenerative charging technology, which is activated when slowing down or braking. With no need for the user to connect the vehicle to an external power source, the S-MAX Hybrid is designed to fit perfectly into family life, always ready to deliver an electrified driving experience regardless of unpredictable time changes.

 

The elegant S-MAX Hybrid blends sporty exterior styling with the practicality and flexibility of a tourer. It offers various combinations for seats and cargo space, easily configurable, and can have a capacity of up to 2,200 liters when counted from the rear of the first row of seats. Towing capacity ranges from 1,560 kg to 1,750 kg, depending on the variant.

"The S-MAX is the original sports active vehicle - now with purely electric drivability for the first time, it is even more attractive to a new generation of customers," said Roelant de Waard, Ford's Head of Passenger Cars. Europe. "From a sporty, car-like driving experience to seats that fold down at the touch of a button, innovations that fit in with family life have always been an important part of the S-MAX's appeal. This marks the difference, and it makes its new hybrid powertrain variant the natural evolution of the range. "

 

Ford is also offering for the first time a fully hybrid variant of the Galaxy seven-seater minivan. The new Galaxy Hybrid uses the same sophisticated gasoline-electric powertrain as the S-MAX Hybrid, achieving fuel efficiency that rivals the diesel version, and an optimized driving experience.

 

Electric power without the need for plugs

 

The new S-MAX Hybrid can continue to offer all the space and flexibility of the existing S-MAX models, both in the five- and seven-seater variants, thanks to the integration of its 60-cell lithium-ion battery within a waterproof and shock absorbing structure, located under the floor of the trunk.

 

The 1.1 kWh battery pack uses liquid cooling technology that allows battery cells to be packed tightly together, increasing efficiency and saving space. A specially designed dual outlet exhaust system is positioned around the battery to help achieve a low position for maximum practicality. This configuration allows the S-MAX Hybrid to accept loads up to almost 1 meter high and more than 1 meter wide between the rear wheel space. Even with the seven seats in the upright position, it offers a capacity of 285 liters of luggage space.

 

Electric power helps optimize the S-MAX driving experience. Regenerative braking technology captures up to 90 percent of the energy normally lost in braking, and is used to recharge the battery. Power is sent to an electric motor that can drive the front wheels on its own for a quiet start from a standstill. This block also offers purely electric driving for short periods, for maximum refinement and emission-free driving, especially in urban environments. The liquid battery cooling system eliminates the need for a cooling fan, helping to further reduce noise levels inside the cabin.

In addition, the electric motor works together with the gasoline motor to offer a fuel efficiency of 6.4 l / 100 km and CO2 emissions of 146-147 g / km WLTP, making the S-MAX Hybrid an attractive alternative to Ford's EcoBlue diesel engines.

 

The 190 hp propulsion system is capable of taking the vehicle from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.8 seconds. Smooth, linear acceleration complements the S-MAX's inherently sporty character, which is supported by a redesigned engine-generator that seamlessly switches between pure electric, hybrid and gasoline power.

 

The Ford-developed power-split transmission on this self-charging hybrid model also includes a simulated gear shift function to further enhance the sporty driving experience. As the vehicle speed changes, the system automatically adjusts the engine revolutions, thus generating greater sensation in the driver.

 

Gear selection is controlled by a sleek, ergonomic dial, which includes a mode that maximizes engine braking when towing or driving down steep grades for a more comfortable ride and optimal energy recovery. The advanced powertrain also enables a towing capacity of up to 1,750 kg for the five-seater variant of the S-MAX Hybrid, and 1,560 kg for the seven-seater variant.

 

Technology to eliminate the stress of driving

Intuitive features help drivers monitor and improve their fuel and energy efficiency through interfaces to the available 10-inch digital instrument display. The Brake Coach encourages gradual braking to help return more power to the battery, and the EV Coach helps drivers understand when they are using electric or hybrid power.

 

S-MAX Hybrid occupants can enjoy connectivity even on the go thanks to the standard FordPass Connect modem, which provides WiFi for up to 10 devices, and enables drivers to plan faster and less stressful trips with Live updates. Traffic for the navigation system.

 

In addition, FordPass Connect enables remote functions such as door unlocking, vehicle status and location through the FordPass mobile application, as well as the sophisticated Ford Local Hazard Information system. This technology can warn drivers of potentially dangerous situations on the road, even if the incident is not visible as it is around a curve or is obscured by other vehicles.

 

To make long journeys more comfortable for the driver and passenger, the Trend and Titanium variants feature 18-way adjustable seats, and have the seal of approval from the leading spinal health organization Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. ("Campaign for Healthier Backs"). The S-MAX Hybrid Vignale comes with heated and cooled driver and passenger seats, 10-way adjustable and with massage function.

 

All three second row seats feature Isofix points for safe positioning of child safety seats, and the second and third row Easy Fold seats maximize cargo space when individually folded using a control panel located in the trunk. Hands-free tailgate technology, also available, makes it easy to access the trunk space when transporting shopping bags, packages or small children.

 

The Galaxy Hybrid: First Class Travel

The new Ford Galaxy Hybrid is now available with the same 190 hp hybrid powertrain - consisting of an electric and a gasoline engine - as the S-MAX Hybrid.

 

The Galaxy Hybrid minivan offers first-class travel for seven occupants as standard; It is available in the Titanium variant, which offers a fuel efficiency of 6.4-6.5 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions of 148-149 g / km WLTP, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.0 seconds. 3

 

Like the S-MAX Hybrid, the spacious Galaxy Hybrid continues to offer all the practicality of the rest of the Galaxy range, including more than 1 meter of headroom for first and second row passengers, 2,339 liters of storage capacity. cargo behind from the first row of seats, and 300 liters of cargo volume with all seven seats in place.

 

"The new S-MAX Hybrid and the Galaxy Hybrid are just two of 17 electrified vehicles that Ford will introduce to European customers later this year," said De Waard. "We are offering a wide range of electrified powertrains, ranging from mild-hybrid to purely electric, which means that each customer can find the perfect model that best suits their lifestyle."

 

The S-MAX Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid, as well as their lithium-ion battery packs, are assembled at the company's manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain.