Ford Fiesta And Focus EcoBoost Available As Mild Hybrids From 2020

Ford of Europe plans to bring significant electrification, commercial vehicle and SUV news at the Go Further event that will take place on April 2 in Amsterdam.

The automaker has confirmed it will unveil 48-volt mild-hybrid Fiesta and Focus models as part of a new lineup of hybrid and all-electric cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

The Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid will be introduced next year with a mild-hybrid architecture designed to enhance fuel efficiency as well as deliver “more powerful and responsive performance.”

Both models will feature a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) replacing the standard alternator. Its job is to enable recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.

The BISG also acts as an electric motor, using the stored energy to provide torque assistance to the three-cylinder 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine during normal driving and acceleration. The belt-driven integrated starter/generator also runs the vehicle’s electric ancillaries.

Ford says the electric torque assistance helps deliver punchier, more responsive performance, particularly at lower engine speeds that will contribute to a more flexible and connected driving experience.

Since the BISG also mitigates turbo lag, it allowed engineers to add a larger turbocharger to the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine for more power. Ford hasn’t provided specifics, only releasing projected fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid is expected to average 4.9 lt/100 km (57.6 mpg UK) and 112 g/km of CO2, while the Focus EcoBoost Hybrid will be even more efficient, with 4.7 lt/100 km (60.1 mpg UK) and 106 g/km of CO2, respectively.

Besides the Fiesta and Focus, later this year Ford will also introduce mild-hybrid powertrains to the Transit 2-tonne and Transit Custom vans, as well as the Tourneo Custom people-mover.

Note: Regular Ford Fiesta and Focus models pictured