Ford Fusion Hybrid goes 1,000 miles on one tank of gas - and keeps going

2010 Fusion Hybrid

UPDATE:  At 9:08 a.m. Monday morning, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid team hit the 1,000-mile mark on a single tank of gas, and is continuing its ultimate fuel-efficiency challenge with nearly one-third of a tank of fuel remaining.  The team will continue driving until the fuel tank is depleted.

The 1,000-mile mark was achieved with the Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team leader and NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards, behind the wheel. Other team members include world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes and several Ford hybrid engineers.

In 1986, Burt Rutan’s Voyager aircraft, piloted by his brother, Dick Rutan, and Jeana Yeager flew nonstop around the world without refueling. That feat smashed all previous records for an unrefueled journey. This weekend, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will be put to a similar fuel-efficiency test. While the Fusion won’t have to cross oceans, fly through thunderstorms over Africa, or avoid Iranian airspace, the challenge is daunting.  

Burt Rutan's Voyager

A team of drivers, including NASCAR star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hyper-miler Wayne Gerdes, will attempt to drive an unmodified Ford Fusion Hybrid more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process. The 1,000-Mile Challenge will follow an indirect route that will originate in Mount Vernon, Va., and end in Washington, D.C.

No modifications
To cover the 1000 mile distance on only one tank of fuel, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg. It would be one thing if Ford were using an experimental test vehicle or a highly modified Fusion not available to the public. According to a press release from Ford, however, the Fusion Hybrid being used in the challenge will be a factory-produced model with no modifications or alterations (other than an add-on, ScanGauge II™ automotive computer) and will run on regular 87-octane gas. 

During their trip, the team will be uploading regular images and video to YouTube,  Flickr and  Twitter. 

Eco-driving tips
The driving team will use Eco-Driving techniques to maximize fuel efficiency. These techniques can be used by all drivers to get maximum fuel efficiency, even if they don’t drive a hybrid:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

Learn more about Ford:
www.thefordstory.com
www.ford.com
www.fordvehicles.com

Photos:  NASA, Ford Motor Company