The 2013 Ford Fusion series of sedans is almost here and with it, Ford is looking to claim a record. With the help of nearly 500 hybrid patents, the blue oval is expecting for their Fusion Hybrid to achieve up to 47 mpg which will give it the title, “America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Non-Rechargeable Sedan.” The last batch of patents, the one’s responsible for the upcoming car, totaled 50 and also helped to bring the Fusion Energi plug-in along for the ride. “Ford continued to invest to develop new products like our new Fusion hybrids during the depths of the economic downturn,” said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.
It wasn’t long ago that Ford was still teething when it came to hybrid technology. In 2000, the company had just 10 patents. Two years later, that number barely moved and stood at 30. In ten years time, Ford has increased that number immensely with special help from vehicles like the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid. The 2013 model year will bring new patents such as the one that covers the Engeri’s power efficiency display. That plug-in version of the 2013 Fusion is expected to achieve a mpg electric equivalent of 100 mpg. That figure, if accurate, will best the Toyota Prius Plug-in.
Source: Ford
