Ford Provides a New Transmission System for Next-Generation Hybrid Pickup Trucks and SUVs
Within the framework of its huge investment project in the area of electrification, Ford plans to approach the auto market with 40 models (16 of them are supposed to be battery-operated) of electrified cars by 2022. This initiative will cover the widespread hybridization of trucks, crossovers, and SUVs. The carmaker is determined to enhance fuel efficiency without a negative impact on strengths of Ford trucks and SUVs, such as towing and off-road characteristics. For this purpose, Ford came up with the idea to design an advanced automatic transmission system, named as “modular hybrid technology”.
This solution, which will be applied for the
first time on the 2020 Explorer, is claimed to include an electric motor, clutch
and torque converter to ensure that cars provide enhanced fuel efficiency
without harming a car’s towing characteristics.
2020 Ford Explorer
According to media reports, the new modular solution was developed to be perfectly integrated in existing RWD vehicles equipped with Ford’s 10-speed transmission. It is said that the new product consists of almost the same set of spare parts (up to 90%) as the currently used transmission solution, despite the fact that its design also includes an electric motor for provision of extra torque at lower speeds. At the same time, Ford’s smaller hybrid modes will be equipped with an eCVT. Despite the fact that CVTs are not so good in towing duties as the modular solution, it ensures electric-only propulsion up to 85 mph. According to Ford representatives, finding balance between towing capacities and fuel efficiency in Ford trucks and SUVs is a crucial point in this project.
10-speed transmission
installed on F-150
While modern hybrid trucks have been significantly improved at towing in comparison with its predecessors, customers are still not happy with fuel efficiency parameters when it comes to towing. But honestly speaking, no vehicle can deliver the same mpg once it has to pull increased weight — not that most hybrids can manage that, anyway. The most problematic thing here lies in the kinetic energy that comes with pulling more severe loads. Batteries and brakes can become overwhelmed when the downhill jaunt the car wanted to use to recoup energy suddenly involves twice the mass it was rated to handle.
Ford’s new solution is assumed to deal with the abovementioned issue thanks to its dependency on the IC-engine at higher speeds, leaving the electric part to assist on slower, hilly road sections. While potential customers, who plan to use their vehicles for frequent trips with trailers, are unlikely to give preference to hybrids in the nearest future, Ford plans to focus on integration of its promising transmission solution.
2020 Ford Bronco
Ford hasn’t informed the public on which model will be equipped with the new transmission system after the Explorer, but there are several potential candidates. The F-150 is equipped the 10-speed automatic gearbox, and a hybrid option has already been confirmed. The new Bronco model is also expected to get a hybrid powertrain, but the full specifications won’t be unveiled until closer to its official release. When it comes to passenger cars, it should be mentioned that Ford also plans a hybrid option for the Mustang model, currently equipped with the 10-speed automatic.
