While electric car sales are increasing in the UK, plug-in vehicles still haven’t take off to the extent that they have in other European countries such as Norway or the Netherlands. Hybrid cars – vehicles that combine a traditional internal combustion engine in addition to one or more electric motors – are also on the rise. However, these have also failed to strike the right balance in the eyes of most UK purchasers. Ford’s EcoBoost technology looks to bridge this gap with a different strategy, and it may be the best option for the majority of buyers.
How
This approach revolves around improving existing technology rather than seeking out new alternatives. Ford EcoBoost uses small, yet highly efficient, engines that aim to offer the same power and torque consistency of much larger ones. This works by using a mix of turbocharging – a device that allows more air to pass through the engine – and direct fuel injection – a more efficient process of sending fuel. This combination allows EcoBoost-enabled vehicles to rival the power output and fuel efficiency previously associated with hybrid or plug-in electric vehicles.
What Can You Save
All that said, the deciding factor will inevitably come from how much you stand to save by making the switch. The Michigan-based company claims that vehicles using this new technology can expect to achieve approximately 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% reduced greenhouse emissions compared with other vehicles of similar power. Put into practice, this would mean that those looking to purchase a vehicle with a four-cylinder engine would find that they actually have the performance of a traditional V6. This technology, first introduced by Ford at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show, and has since been incorporated it into many of the company’s flagship car lines, such as the 2013 Ford Fiesta and the third-generation Ford Focus.
Both these vehicles went on to receive both critical and commercial success, with the 2013 Fiesta with a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine becoming the International Engine of the Year, and the third-generation Focus, which used the same engine, becoming the best-selling car in the world in 2012. The latest 2015 Fiesta range incorporates the same technology and starts at £7,995 or £105.99 per month on a two-year monthly rental contract from LeaseCar.co.uk. Whichever model you decide on, it’s worth considering an EcoBoost-enabled car for the best combination of power, reliability, and performance.