Similar to the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, the hybrid Escape will have a small gasoline engine and an electric motor that work together. Every time the regenerative brakes are depressed, electricity will be produced to recharge the battery. In golf cart-like fashion, the engine will turn off when the vehicle is at rest and automatically restart when the driver steps on the accelerator. Developers believe it will get 500 miles to the tank, and acceleration numbers are expected to correspond with those of the regular V6 powered Escape. Drive less and drive smart.
People can carpool, walk or ride a bike, use public transportation or telecommute.
Passenger vehicles are by no means the most ominous culprits when it comes to pollution, but they are definitely one of the most obvious contributors. The next challenge will be to develop widespread consumer interest in these alternatives. California's LEV II standards mandate advanced emissions controls for passenger cars, light trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Environmental legislation, starting with the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act in 1965, has radically reduced toxic air pollutants.