Ford Escape Hybrid Taxis Head to NY

Looking for real proof that hybrids last? Simply head to New York City where bright yellow Ford Escape Hybrid taxis—with mileage in excess of 175,000 miles—have yet to face major mechanical problems. At 175,000 miles, Ford estimates that a hybrid has saved over 2,915 gallons of gas. That's some pretty pocket change. In fact, Escape Hybrid taxi drivers report saving more than $6,000 on gas each year.

One of NYC's Escape Hybrid taxis

And New York City isn't the only "greened up" metropolitan area. In early 2005, San Francisco was the first city to feature gas-electric hybrid-powered taxi cabs. The city chose Ford Escape Hybrid. Later that year, New York City added a small fleet of Escape Hybrid taxis based on the New York City Council decision to pass the Clean Air Taxis Act. In the summer of 2006, Ford embarked on a nationwide tour promoting the advantages of Escape Hybrids for taxi service, and since, Chicago and Austin have also introduced hybrids into their burgeoning taxi fleets.

Today, there are 288 Escape Hybrids in taxi service throughout the New York City, and drivers are reporting that the hybrids are a great choice for taxi use. If you haven't been swayed to hop inside one yet, take a glance at the facts below:

Most fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth: EPA rated at 34 miles per gallon in city driving, the front-wheel drive Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV, and can provide drivers 500 miles to a tank.  

Taxi Drivers Save $30 Per Shift: According to San Francisco cab driver Paul Gillespie, driving an Escape Hybrid saves him up to $30 per shift. Working four shifts a week for a year could equal more than $6,000. (No, that doesn't mean you can skimp on the tip...)

Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Certified: The Escape Hybrid dramatically reduces smog-forming emissions, as it meets the cleanest emissions standard available for a vehicle that uses fossil fuels.

California's AT-PZEV standard. Over 100,000 miles the Escape Hybrid will conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas, effectively preventing 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions.

Reliability and Durability is Key for Taxi Use: The Escape Hybrid is proving to be remarkably durable, capable of surviving around-the-clock use in one of the most severe driving conditions any vehicle will face. This durability is backed by a standard 8-year / 100,000-mile limited warranty for unique hybrid components, including the battery pack.

Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrid Have Highest Tax Credits: Because the real world fuel economy of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids increased for the 2008 model year, the Federal income tax credits available now are $3,000 for FWD models (up $400) and $2,200 on 4WD models (up $250). The Ford and Mercury Hybrids now have the highest tax credit of any hybrid—up to $900 more than the closest competitor. For both vehicles, the new EPA-certified fuel economy for FWD models is 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and 29 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for AWD models.

Insurance Discounts for Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrids: Travelers, one of the largest providers of personal insurance products in the United States, offers hybrid drivers in the states of California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia and Washington discounts of up to 10 percent on certain coverages. The company estimates their hybrid policy business grew by 200 percent in 2006.

(Source: Ford)