The Ford Escape Hybrid isn’t just one of the very first electrified crossovers and/or SUVs to exist, it’s also one of the most popular, decades after its debut. This is largely due to that Escape Hybrid’s stellar efficiency and inherent reliability, and in fact, more examples of that particular model have remained in the possession of owners for more than 15 years than just about every other vehicle on the market, according to a recent study. Interestingly, Ford Escape Hybrids also spent their fair share of time patrolling beaches in Southern California years ago, too.
Back in 2009, the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Service utilized a fleet of 45 Ford Escape Hybrids as part of an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in that area, and over the course of the following year, that electrified model proved to be more than up to the task. In fact, that unit reported that the Escape Hybrid played a crucial role in 9,000 rescues – and a million rescue preventions – across L.A. County beaches, and saved 5,000 gallons of fuel while also reducing carbon emissions by 97,500 pounds.
Those 45 Ford Escape Hybrids were equipped with a host of unique features to ensure that they were up for lifeguard duty, too. Using input from lifeguards themselves, Ford removed 60 percent of the rear driver’s side seat to make room for an aluminum box with room for emergency equipment including oxygen tanks, trauma boxes, and defibrillators. The remaining 40 percent of the seat was left intact in the event that the space was needed to a passenger. Up top, the Escapes features a custom roof rack designed to hold paddle boards and spine boards, and each vehicle was painted yellow and fitted with graphics denoting their purpose.
“When we partnered with the L.A. County lifeguards we knew the Escape Hybrid would serve them well by providing clean, fuel-efficient transportation with a high degree of utility and durability. Now, we’re absolutely thrilled to know the fleet has been a reliable tool in so many lifesaving efforts,” said David Finnegan, Ford Hybrids Marketing Manager.
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