Ford Escape PHEV sales halted

Ford Australia says the launch of its first electrified model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the new Ford Escape, won’t be impacted by a stop-sale in Europe caused by a series of battery fires.

The halt applies to vehicles built before June 26, 2020 and is reportedly being blamed on the battery charging module overheating.

Ford Escapes built at the blue oval brand’s Spanish plant in Valencia destined for Australia are being built after this date, meaning any design modifications will be incorporated.

The Toyota RAV4 rival will start arriving in Australia in October or November.

“We envisage no disruption to Australian supply,” a Ford Australia spokesman said.

“Our launch is schedule hasn’t changed and this timing has been in place for some time.

“Transport and operational issues interrupted by the global pandemic are most likely to influence any delays to that timing.”

So far Ford says four vehicle fires have been blamed on the fault.

Ford in the UK has also instructed Escape PHEV owners not to charge their high-voltage batteries until further notice.

It has been reported that up to 27,000 examples globally are impacted by the fault.

A separate recall has also been issued for Kuga – as the Escape is known in Europe – from July 1, 2019 to June 5, 2020 for a water leak into a connector that may also trigger a battery cell fire.

Ford Australia says the Escape PHEV will be sold in Australia without restrictions such as not charging the battery.

“Absolutely not. We don’t see this affecting our supply, and causing any issue for Australian customers.”

The petrol-electric Escape features an Atkinson Cycle 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides a range between recharges of up to 50km.

Just one PHEV model will be offered in the new Ford Escape range, in mid-spec ST-Line trim. Nevertheless, it will be the most expensive Escape, priced at $52,940.