The 1.0 is great, with a manual transmission. The 6-speed auto currently is teh slush-box 6F15 out of the Escape. This completely ruins the 1.0. The new 8-speed might be better.

I think that may be the GVWR.

I can think of approximately zero general contractors that care about CO2 emissions. I did have one major customer (social media data center) who had some green initiatives, and we ended up with solar-powered site light-plants, but they only worked until the first snow, so they all got switched back out for diesels.

The Focus and EcoSport compete on price only. Really, a tall Focus is the Escape. So yes, you end up paying more for the same capability, which is really what Ford wants. (Note: I bought 2 Focci and 2 Fiestas in the last 2 years. I have zero desire for an EcoSport, but I’d give it a shot if they offered the M/T with…

But she’s also wrong. They keep reposting their original article from 2016, but it’s one of the few cars Ford is selling as a 2019 model...

I spot a little Ford Flex in there also, which is an SUV I actually liked the look of before it was killed off.

Yeah, that one I’m excited about!

Same with the Ridgeline. And most SUVs.

Looks like Amtrak long-distance trains rely on head-end power:

Good question. The Talgo trains on the NW Cascades corridor have a dedicated power car, in case head-end power is unavailable or insufficient (Cascades trains are 13-14 cars).

I understand fleets might not be the target market, but the “ready-for-work”, or at least, the “I want to look like I can work if I needed to” cachet rides on the heels of fleet capability.We already have one truck designed for consumers-only, the Ridgeline. I’m not sure the market will support 2. Plus, fleets make…

Promising concept!

No idea, but it looks like a compressed air quick-connect.

Minivan body might not fit well. But a Transit short-short would be almost a perfect fit! 130" wheelbase on the T150 vs 133" on the Raptor. Cab width is already the same at 80".

But less power probably means less passing power (since the electric motor won’t be adding any torque up high), and potentially lower top speed up steep grades. Both of those matter more than 0-60.

FWIW - The electric rear axle in my sister-in-law’s Highlander Hybrid delivers more torque to the rear tires than my step-mom’s Rav-4. The Rav-4 is surprisingly easy to get stuck in the snow, and the transfer case (or power splitter or PTU or whatever they call it) overheats way too easy. The Highlander does just fine.

TFL tested it to be 11-something....

The ‘99+ Mercury Cougar (badged as a Ford overseas) is the Mondeo/Contour/X-type platform.

Actually, you start with a Mercury Cougar. Doors don’t even get touched.

I was surprised by that hostly, since the i3 costs so much new, and the Focus EV is a bit of a “compliance car”, and missing some of the options available on the Titanium and ST models.