The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid (SUV): The Complete Electric Car Buying Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Ford Kuga PHEV SUV

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Ford is the second-largest automotive manufacturer in the United States, and in the top 10 globally. The company is largely owned by institutional investors (60%). However, the Executive Chairman of the Ford board is William Clay Ford Jr., the great-grandson of Henry Ford. The company has operations globally, to include: United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa. As of 2023, the company sold over 4.4 million cars worldwide.

The Ford electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models: 

• All-electric Ford Capri (BEV)
• All-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E (BEV)
• All-electric Ford Explorer (BEV) 
• Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid (BEV)

Michigan based, Ford Motor Company, the US automotive manufacturer, stepped firmly into the fast evolving electric vehicle (EV) race with the unveiling of its ‘new breed of Mustang’, the all-electric Mustang Mach-e sport utility vehicle (SUV), ahead of the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Ford Kuga compact SUV has been manufactured by Ford since 2008. The Ford Kuga is currently in its third generation, which was introduced in early 2019 and went on sale late 2019, to include the Kuga PHEV. The internal combustion engine (ICE) variant is available as an all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Kuga plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant is only available as a front-wheel drive (FWD).

The Ford Kuga PHEV has much to offer those seeking lower-tailpipe emission electric driving, at a more affordable price. For families, the e-SUV offers much practicality and financial savings. Driving a PHEV on e-mode is much cheaper than driving an equivalent combustion engine variant. Given the continued escalation in fuel prices in India, electric driving is fast becoming the best option for private and business car ownership.

Moreover, the pairing of the petrol engine with an electric motor, improves the fuel economy of the electric vehicle. Ford claims that the Kuga plug-in hybrid SUV can achieve a fuel economy up to 1.0 l/100km, again, substantially better than the equivalent petrol variant.

However, achieving an improved fuel economy in a plug-in electric vehicle, requires the EV driven on the electric mode on a regular basis. If the electric drivetrain, powered by the onboard EV battery is not leveraged, the financial savings from driving an EV will not materialise.

The Ford Kuga EV has a 14.4 kW onboard EV battery, with a claimed emission-free electric range up to 56 km. Expect the real-world EV range to be closer to 45 km. Nevertheless, sufficient electric range to meet most daily needs. This should not come as a surprise, given that the majority of our day-to-day trips are to the local grocery store, gym, high street, school-runs etc. The efficiency of the EV is further enhanced by regenerative braking, so do take advantage of it while driving!

The Ford electric vehicle (EV) has a 3.7 kW onboard AC charger. Using a dedicated EV charging station, the PHEV can be charged within 3 hours. We at e-zoomed recommend charging an EV overnight, when the electricity tariff rates are more affordable.

We also recommend getting into a habit of ‘topping-up’ the EV battery on a regular basis. This way, you can use the pure electric mode more often, and it is also better for the overall maintenance of the EV battery. Ford offers a 8-year or 160,000 km warranty. The plug-in electric car does not offer DC charging compatibility.

In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid will not set the heart racing, but the performance is certainly decent. The PHEV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds (maximum power: 225 PS). The top speed of the EV is 200 km/h. The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine with an electric motor. Of course, the EV also benefits from instant torque.

Despite the reduction in the boot space (581 L) due to the placement of the EV battery, the Kuga PHEV offers reasonable practicality for front and rear seat occupants, with ample headroom and legroom. The overall visibility and ease of driving is also good. The EV also benefits from a Five-Star NCAP Safety Rating. Also on offer are a host of driving safety features, to include: personal driving assistant, adaptive cruise control, lane centring technology, lane keeping assistance and more.

The Ford Kuga plug-in electric SUV has far lower tailpipe emissions (32g CO2/km) compared to the petrol only variant (156g CO2/km). Lower tailpipe emissions help reduce local air pollution. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Ford electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
An affordable PHEV SUV	Not as stylish or iconic as the Mach-e electric SUV
Cheap to drive on electric mode	Only available as a front-wheel drive (FWD)
Practical and spacious	Onboard charger limited to 3.7 kW

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The Ford Kuga PHEV SUV (credit: Ford)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Ford Kuga PHEV (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 14.4 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger: 3.7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	32g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1675
Width (mm):	1883
Length (mm):	4614
Wheelbase (mm):	2710
Turning Circle (m):	11.6
Boot Space (L):	581

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2.5L Plug-In Hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	14.4 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	56 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km):	15.8
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.0
Charging:	DC charging not available. On board charger: 3.7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 3 hrs)
Top Speed:	200 km/h
0-100 km/h:	9.2 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Max Power (PS):	225
Torque (Nm):	N/A
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,844
Colours:	7
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?

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EV Heat Pump: The Basics
What is a heat pump in electric cars?	In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery).
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months?	Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%.
How does a heat pump work in an electric car?	Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated.
Is a heat pump used only for heating?	No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling.
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs?	Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option.
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery?	Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase.
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same?	No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%).
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months?	Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day!

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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