[zep]

Ford is responding to complaints that its gas-electric hybrids are not delivering advertised fuel economy by offering a free software upgrade that should improve their MPGs.

Many drivers reported they were unable to get close to factory fuel figures. Last fall Ford boasted that the new Fusion hybrid had an EPA combined rating of 47 MPG. The new C-Max hybrid also clocked in at 47 MPG. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid went on sale earlier this year rated at 45 MPG. Some owners joined class action law suits alleging the numbers represent false advertising on Ford’s part.

Among the new software calibration changes:

■ Hybrids will automatically remain in electric-only mode to a top speed of 85 mph., up from 62 mph

■ Active grille shutters will close in cold weather or when the air conditioner is running to warm or cool the cabin faster, allowing batteries to kick in sooner to run in electric mode.

■ Fan speed will be reduced, requiring less fuel to operate.

■ The engine will warm up 50% faster, allowing stop-start tech to work faster

 

[Abraham's Lincoln]

Also, the vehicles will be able to rely on the lithium-ion battery 27 percent longer than what is currently available.

 

[alcatraz]

It is crazy that software updates can make such a big change to mpg. My first thought is that fuel efficiency is inherent in the car, not just based on differences in computer chips.

 

[zep]

It is crazy that software updates can make such a big change to mpg. My first thought is that fuel efficiency is inherent in the car, not just based on differences in computer chips.

its inherent to the driver mostly

 

[lincolnftw]

Wow, never expected these results from a software update.
I wonder how much MPG's we can really extract from the MKZ with software tuning? hmmm

 

[zep]

Also, the vehicles will be able to rely on the lithium-ion battery 27 percent longer than what is currently available.

something doesn't add up, the car runs on the battery longer (limit moved from 62 to 85 mph) yet the battery is going to last longer?

 

[Telepathy]

Crazy how a software update can promise such a difference. Do you guys believe this update will live up to its disclosed points?

 

[Vendetta]

something doesn't add up, the car runs on the battery longer (limit moved from 62 to 85 mph) yet the battery is going to last longer?

Sounds odd to me as well. sounds like the battery might be running to may cycles that could possibly shorten the life span.

Replacing the battery won't be cheap either, I have heard upwards of $9000 to replace them.

 

[Radon]

Fan speed will be reduced, requiring less fuel to operate.

Doing so might help with saving fuel but how about the coolant temperatures for the engine will something else be added to help cool it down?

They should honestly come up with something that uses less fuel to keep temperatures cooler. I am not an engineer or anything but possibly use some of the kinetic energy from the car moving itself....

 

[AxeMan2U]

Sounds odd to me as well. sounds like the battery might be running to may cycles that could possibly shorten the life span.

Replacing the battery won't be cheap either, I have heard upwards of $9000 to replace them.

I believe that the update will allow the battery to run down 27% more before the engine kicks in to recharge it. This lengthens the time between engine starts & stops, saving fuel. And rather than increasing the number of charging cycles, it will actually reduce the number. What impact, if any, the 27% deeper discharge will have on battery life has not been mentioned.

 

[sobe531]

Wrong Zep, I drive my '13 MKZ H like I'm over 100 years old and I get awful MPG. I even live in FL where it is about as flat as it gets! I took it in for the "soft ware upgrade" and it doesn't help much. I get 38 MPG now instead of 36. Still a far cry from 45 MPG