Previewed during the 4^th generation Escape’s launch in 2019, the plug-in hybrid variant joined the lineup in 2021 alongside the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid models as the brand’s first crossover plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the US market. With only nominally reduced cargo space, a 14.4 kWh battery, 200 horsepower between the electric motor and 2.5L inline-4 engine, the Ford Escape PHEV provides everything crossover drivers get all the features of the ICE model with no compromises. The Escape PHEV has competed against other compact crossover plug-in hybrids such as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, Kia Sportage PHEV and the popular Toyota RAV4 PHEV.

 

The Escape PHEV is loaded with tech, including a standard 8 inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3 inch head unit complete with Ford’s Sync 4 software and Ford Co-Pilot360 Level 2 self-driving system.

Starting in 2022, electric vehicles (EVs) and PHEVs became eligible for federal tax credits up to $7,500 for new clean vehicles and up to $4,000 for used vehicles that met certain battery production and materials requirements. As of 2024, the Ford Escape PHEV qualifies for federal tax credits of $3,750. Even better, customers can obtain the tax credit as a rebate at point-of-sale, reducing their purchase by the full credit amount.

Since its launch in 2021, the Ford Escape PHEV has utilized a 14.4 kWh battery and 2.5L inline-4 engine, both sending power to the front wheels. The hefty increase in battery over its Ford predecessors, such as the Ford C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi, brings a 50% increase in all electric range, able to achieve 37 miles before the gas engine kicks in. Meaning with the average American's yearly mileage of over 13,400 miles, most drivers of the Escape PHEV can drive without ever using their gas engine. For longer trips, the Escape PHEV’s battery can support the gas engine to achieve over 520 miles of total range.

 

Ford includes a mobile charger than can be plugged into a standard 120 volt outlet to slow charge the 14.4 kWh battery pack. For the fastest charge and remote control over your charging, Ford drivers can utilize the JuiceBox 32 for the highest charging speeds at the most affordable price. Able to deliver double the charging speed that the Escape PHEV’s 3.3 kW onboard charger can support, you can recharge your battery in less than 3.5 hours from full and schedule your charging when electricity rates are lowest in your area.