new: 2017 Prius One; Fusion hybrid police pursuit

[djc]

A couple interesting news items at greencarreports:

 

Toyota is shipping a new Prius One trim line priced under $25,000.  The price drops $1250 from the Prius Two, the previous entry level trim.   Keeps standard safety equipment; gives up the spare tire, rear window washer, and some seat-back pockets.

 

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109910_toyota-prius-one-stripped-down-hybrid-added-at-lower-price

 

Meanwhile, Ford has modified the drive-train programming (and done some ruggedizing) and gotten the Ford Fusion hybrid certified as a police pursuit car.  Will tout almost $4000 a year fuel saving to police departments.  Presumably they could have done the same to the C-max hybrid....

 

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109808_ford-fusion-becomes-first-police-rated-hybrid-car

 

 

 

 

[kostby]

Lowering the price of the Prius Liftback by 'de-contenting' to create the Prius One does NOT improve the "edgy" (I say 'ugly') looks one bit.

IMO 'edgy looks' of the Prius is the primary reason that the Ford Fusion Hybrid outsold the Prius Liftback in March 2017, perhaps for the first time ever.

 

"Young and edgy" is indeed a valid consumer market, but "older and more traditional" is ALSO a market carmakers can choose to pursue. 

(Oops! Almost used the words 'older and conservative', but that might upset the many non-conservatives who flock to hybrids for political statement reasons as much as fuel economy.) 

 

In part, "traditional" also might help explain why the Fusion Hybrid & Fusion Energi Hybrid sedans also widely outsell the C-MAX Hybrid & C-MAX Energi Hybrid hatches.

 

For now, at least, many of us older, retired folks have way more money (viewed more cynically, future inheritance of our kids!) to spend on shiny new vehicles than the "young & edgy" crowd who are often squeezed between the "gig-economy" jobs market and crushing college-loan debt.

[fbov]

Fusion Hybrid sedans outsell C-Max because they sell 300K Fusions some years. Hybrid is just another engine option, as it should be if hybrid power trains to be found in a wide range of chassis options. I love the C-Max, but I like options, too. 

 

The police car seems like a marriage made in heaven, given how well the drive train supports a mobile office. 

 

And one reason older, retired folks have way more money to spend is that we've learned not to spend it on shiny new things....

 

Have fun,

Frank

[djc]

Some of the reported mods to the Fusion Hybrid pursuit certified model:

 

     http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109845_what-does-it-take-to-turn-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-into-a-police-responder/

 

Programming modified to add an automatic pursuit power mode (sustained full engine plus full EV power).

  [no indication if this changes peak HP; appears to use the standard 1.4kw battery.]

 

Uprated cooling fan for the air-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, and a beefier oil cooler for the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The suspension height is raised, there's a deflection shield to protect the underside of the engine from curbs or objects on the road,

and the car is fitted with steel wheels and specially developed all-weather tires.

[it would be interesting to know wheel and tire sizes.]

The 12-volt electrical system is upgraded for greater power draw from accessories.

 

No mention of transmission mods at websites I looked at.

 

LA tv reports 0 to 60 time of 5.8 seconds, and it decels using 17" brake rotors with dual pistons.

 

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LAPD-Pursuit-Chase-Patrol-Car-Police-Ford-Fusion-Hybrid-419039404.html

Edited April 16, 2017 by djc

[SnowStorm]

Well, this news should end, once and for all, the idea that hybrids are wimpy or just for tree-hugger types!  I must admit that I never even thought about a hybrid police car - but it makes a lot of sense (and saves a lot of cents!).  I wonder if they keep the SOC up relatively high all the time - ready for pursuit mode - and then allow it to go much lower.

[joshg678]

Now only if we can have the Persuit mode on ours

[fbov]

... I wonder if they keep the SOC up relatively high all the time - ready for pursuit mode - and then allow it to go much lower.

I wager it's more like having EV+ all the time. SOC can be darn low and EV+ still gives me more throttle at far lower speeds than normal driving. Inverter cooling capacity may have been increased as well if the full 35kW sustainable capacity is going to be available more often. 

 

But given what we know about hybrids, the real question is if the drivers will accept them for what they are.

 

HAve fun,

Frank

[raadsel]

While this video still is mostly basic information, they do explain a little about how pursuit mode will work, as well as showing the cars interior:

 

[djc]

Response to Kostby:  I am not sure about the demographics of C-max, Fusion hybrid, and Prius sales - but it would be interesting to know who buys them and how they compare.  I compared the Fusion to the C-Max before buying and had a strong preference for the C-max.  Clearly this is not the standard response, given sales.My impression is that most seniors buy fairly conventional sedans (Buicks, Malibus, Fusions, Camry/Avalon, etc) and not C-max or Prius.  But I could well be wrong about that.  Anyone got some data?

[HotPotato]

Ooh, can we get Pursuit Mode too? :wub2: 

 

Seriously though, they're really going to do Pursuit Mode with the same puny battery as stock? Now that EVs can pack 50% more range into the same size battery pack, they're not maybe going to upgrade the pack to better withstand the extra drain?  Color me doubtful about the wisdom of that.

 

That 0-60 time in Pursuit Mode is extra impressive because -- and I don't know if it's to do with weight or gearing or what -- the Fusion Hybrid always seemed pokier to me than the C-Max Hybrid...even more so when comparing the Energi versions, where the Fusion Energi feels downright slow. It might not all be my imagination. When the current Ford hybrid powertrain came out, I remember reading magazine tests and seeing the C-Max Hybrid tested with a 0-60 just over 7 seconds and the Fusion Hybrid just over 9. The C-Max Energi was just over 8 seconds; I don't remember seeing a figure on the Fusion Energi. I'm sure those are all magazine style tests (best run of several, traction control off).