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Ford has expanded its range of electrified all-new Kuga with the new Ford Kuga Hybrid. It is able to deliver over 600 miles of petrol-electric and pure-electric driving between fill-ups and without ever having to plug in to recharge.
Effortless to own, the self-charging Kuga Hybrid’s 1.1 kWh battery is automatically replenished by the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and by using regenerative charging when coasting or braking. The stored energy powers an electric motor:
The Kuga Hybrid automatically switches seamlessly between power configurations according to the driving scenario.
The new model’s sophisticated full hybrid powertrain is unique in the Ford Kuga line-up – delivering the ultimate efficiency and refinement of pure-electric power with no need to charge from an external power source, alongside the diesel-rivalling convenience of over 600 miles total driving range.
“Each of our electrified Kuga models brings a unique set of benefits. For our new Kuga Hybrid that includes fuel efficiency and driving range to rival diesel, and the effortless refinement of charging cable-free, pure-electric driving,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.
Production of the new Kuga Hybrid is now underway at Ford’s manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain. Kuga Hybrid’s advanced lithium-ion battery packs are also assembled at the Valencia plant.
The new Ford Kuga was developed from the ground up to incorporate a petrol-electric full hybrid powertrain, using efficient packaging to maximise the spaciousness, practicality, and support driving refinement.
Silent key start capability enables the Kuga Hybrid to pull away from a standstill using electric power alone for a truly relaxing driving experience, particularly in city and stop-start driving scenarios. The full-hybrid powertrain supports pure-electric driving for short periods while eliminating range anxiety.
The ability to travel over 600 miles on a single tank of fuel makes Kuga Hybrid a compelling alternative to diesel powertrains. Delivering fuel efficiency from 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions from 130 g/km WLTP alongside a 54-litre fuel tank, Kuga Hybrid total driving range is also more than 30 per cent greater than that of the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid, which offers a greater pure-electric driving range of up to 35 miles.
With no need to use an external power source to charge the battery, Kuga Hybrid offers an attractive choice for those desiring an electrified powertrain, but who have limited access to external charging solutions at home or place of work.
The 60-cell, 1.1 kWh battery pack uses a liquid cooling system that eliminates the need for a cooling fan, helping reduce noise levels for greater cabin refinement. Optimised cooling also allows battery cells to be packaged closely together – helping retain spacious interior dimensions including over 1 metre of headroom for front row occupants and up to 1,481 litres of cargo space behind the front seats.
In addition, an exhaust gas heat exchanger system helps bring the engine more quickly to its most efficient operating temperature, enabling Kuga Hybrid to engage pure-electric driving sooner following a cold start and helping quickly warm the cabin for passenger comfort. Enhanced battery performance also contributes to towing capacity of up to 1,600 kg.
The Kuga Hybrid powertrain delivers a smooth, linear response to acceleration demand while automatically switching between pure-electric, hybrid and petrol power, supported by a redesigned motor-generator controller. The latest generation of Ford’s power-split transmission is designed specifically to work with the 2.5-litre petrol engine – seamlessly adjusting ratios for optimum performance and fuel efficiency across a range of driving conditions. 0-62 mph acceleration takes 9.1 seconds.
The simulated gear-shift function – activated in Normal or Sport drive modes – automatically adjusts engine rpm as the vehicle’s speed changes to reduce the “rubber band” effect often associated with continuously-variable transmissions.
Kuga Hybrid is available to order in ST Line Edition, ST Line X Edition and Vignale variants, offering a wide range of driver assistance, comfort and convenience technologies.
A wireless charging pad is also standard, and further sophisticated optional features include Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system supported by an 8‑inch central touchscreen, and a premium B&O sound system.
Available driver assistance technologies designed to deliver greater confidence, make driving less demanding and enhance safety include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring for effortlessly negotiating stop-start and highway traffic. Active Park Assist 2 enables fully automated parking manoeuvres at the push of a button.
New Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist makes its debut on Kuga. The optional technology monitors the driver’s blind spot for vehicles approaching from behind and can apply counter-steering to warn the driver and discourage a lane change manoeuvre if a potential collision is detected.
Also making its debut on the new Ford Kuga, optional Intersection Assist technology monitors for potential collisions with oncoming vehicles in parallel lanes and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate the effects of accidents in scenarios where a driver is turning across traffic.
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