Ford has revealed that it will unveil several electrified powertrain solutions at its Go Further event in Amsterdam on April 2. As part of the announcement, the OEM has said it will introduce 48V mild-hybrid Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models next year.
“We’ve gone to every length to develop mild hybrid powertrains for two of our most popular cars that will help keep cash in customers’ pockets while remaining true to the Ford ‘fun to drive’ philosophy,” said Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and incoming chairman, Ford of Europe. “Our new Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models are examples of Ford’s commitment to deliver new, more environmentally sustainable vehicles, sophisticated technologies, and valued services for our customers.”
The new Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models will be equipped with a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG), which replaces the standard alternator, enabling energy recovery and storage during braking and coasting to charge a 48V Li-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with Ford’s three-cylinder 1.0‑liter EcoBoost engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.
The electric torque assistance helps deliver more responsive performance, particularly at lower engine speeds. The BISG has also enabled Ford engineers to boost engine’s power with a larger turbo, by mitigating turbo-lag.
