Press Release - 25 March 2008

Carbon Footprint Ltd helps world’s first solar-powered plug-in hybrid Ford Escape SUV get on the road

To support Climate Change awareness across America, UK based Carbon Footprint Ltd has sponsored the world’s first solar powered plug-in hybrid Ford Escape SUV. The converted SUV, which can now run on an electric engine, petrol engine or both, is only the third conversion of this type in the world, and the first to be powered by solar power.

The SUV is touring the States as part of a Global Cooling Tour lead by extreme skier, environmental consultant and Carbon Footprint’s US spokesperson, Alison Gannett. Alison who has been raising awareness of climate change and the resulting decline of snow, amongst fellow skiers for the past twenty years is a true devotee, walking the walk as well as talking the talk. It is hoped that her work, educating the public, car industry and politicians can influence a greater understanding of climate change and initiate people to reduce their carbon emissions.

Throughout the Global Cooling Tour, Alison has been encouraging listeners to investigate their own carbon emissions, by visiting the www.carbonfootprint.com website, which hosts the internet’s top online calculator.

John Buckley, Managing Director of Carbon Footprint Ltd explained, “By calculating your individual footprint, you can start to understand which elements of your lifestyle generate the most carbon emissions and where the greatest reduction opportunities lie. Alison has made impressive changes to her own lifestyle by driving the converted SUV and living in an eco home powered by solar panels. All changes make a difference whether large or small. ”

The converted electric SUV has been impressing climate change and auto experts alike, boasting greater horse power and greater torque than its petrol counterpart, due to the non-existent drag when you press the accelerator, in addition to regularly achieving over 100 miles to the gallon. But how? – Alison’s team started with a normal Ford Escape Hybrid, removed the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and added Lithium Ion Nano Phosphate Batteries in their place (think 1600 DeWalt Drill batteries, about the size of a D Cell Battery). These batteries can hold up to ten times the charge and capacity of the batteries in a typical hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), such as the ford escape. The team then added a power inverter and a plug in spot on the rear bumper, which plugs into regular outlets including Alison’s own home’s solar energy supply. The same engines are then able to run on supercharged electric power - enabling mileage up to 222 miles per "gallon" and more power.

John Buckley congratulated the new technology, “The solar powered plug in hybrid SUV is a fantastic achievement, and demonstrates that green cars can be practical and retain the performance of a petrol car.”

To calculate your own carbon footprint go to our personal calculator page or to follow the vehicle's progress visit Alison Gannett's website.