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Ford Fusion 1000 Mile Challenge No Challenge At All

So, Ford thought that its Fusion Hybrid would be able to travel 1600 kilometres (1000 miles) on a single tank of petrol and decided to test its theory on the weekend. The result? A resounding success: come the end of its journey, the Fusion Hybrid still


So, Ford thought that its Fusion Hybrid would be able to travel 1600 kilometres (1000 miles) on a single tank of petrol and decided to test its theory on the weekend. The result? A resounding success: come the end of its journey, the Fusion Hybrid still had around one third of a tank of fuel remaining.

By the end of the trip, the Fusion Hybrid had consumed a miniscule average of just 2.9 l/100km (81.1mpg), surpassing the 3.36  l/100km (70mpg) attained in testing.

Ford now plans to keep on driving until the Fusion runs dry, to see just how far the Fusion can push a single tank of petrol.

The incredible journey was completed in just over 47 hours. The extreme fuel economy hybrids were driven by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, as well as a selection of Ford Hybrid engineers.

The goal of the trip was to demonstrate to the public how changes in driving style can make a huge difference to fuel economy. Along the way, the team also raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

Of course, if the trip managed to lift the profile of the Fusion Hybrid along the way, all the better.

The team set out from Mount Vernon, Virginia, bound for Washington DC - a journey of just 32 kilometres (20 miles) as the crow flies.

Taking the long way around, the hypermile team used techniques such as coasting up to red lights, gentle throttle applications and minimal use of heating and air conditioning to show the difference these driving techniques can make on real roads.

Hit the press release below for more info.

ONE THOUSAND MILES AND COUNTING: FUSION HYBRID BREAKS 1,000 MILES ON SINGLE TANK, PRESSES ON

The Ford Fusion Hybrid team has achieved more than 1,000 miles – over 47 continuous hours – on a single tank of gas, raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Passing the 1,000 mile mark at 9:08 a.m. this morning, the team will continue as their unmodified, regular production Fusion Hybrid has nearly one-third of a tank of fuel remaining The most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America – the Fusion Hybrid – driven by a team of Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert and a NASCAR star, achieved more than 80 miles per gallon using Eco-Driving techniques WASHINGTON, April 27, 2009 – At 9:08 a.m. this 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 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.

The 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and is expected to end on Tuesday, April 28 in Washington, D.C.

A regular production version of the Fusion Hybrid – the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan in America – delivered over 80 miles per gallon over the course of 47 hours of continuous driving. The team will continue to drive until the fuel tank is depleted.

The vehicle is being put to the test to demonstrate Ford's commitment to be the best, or amongst the best, in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes and to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

As part of the event, the team is conducting clinics for media and customers in the Fusion Hybrid, providing interviews and vehicle demonstrations on how simple techniques can make a significant difference to real world fuel economy numbers. The team also is uploading regular images and video of the challenge to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and www.media.ford.com.

Mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team used and recommend to consumers include:

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

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