From the Archives: 1993 Ford Electric Ecostar
Another deep dive into the Merrick Auto Museum archives uncovered a 1993 Ford Ecostar sales sheet. It is an interesting look at Ford’s experimental electric vehicle program during the 1990s. Introduced in 1993, the Ford Ecostar was developed primarily as a fleet-test electric utility van. Based on the European Ford Escort van platform, fewer than 100 examples are believed to have been hand-built for testing by utility companies and government agencies throughout the United States.
Powertrain
- 75 hp (56 kW) 3-phase AC induction motor
- 143 ft-lb torque
- 13,500 rpm maximum motor speed
- Single-speed integrated front-wheel-drive transmission
Standard Features
- Manual rack-and-pinion steering
- Power-assisted hydraulic braking with regenerative braking
- Electronically controlled electric resistive heating element (4–5 kW)
- Lightweight 14″ aluminum alloy wheels
- P195/70R14 low rolling resistance tires
- Solar power-assisted ventilation
- High thermal efficiency glass
- AM/FM stereo cassette radio
Options
- Electrically driven high-efficiency scroll compressor air conditioning
- Non-fluoro-carbon refrigerant
- Fuel-fired heater for severe climate operation
Battery
- Sodium-sulfur battery system
- 30 kWh energy capacity (@ 80% DOD)
- Peak intermittent output: 52 kW / 70 hp
- Maximum continuous output: 30 kW / 40 hp
Charging
- On-board 120/240V charger
- 12′ charging cord on integrated reel
- Requires 240V @ 30 amp AC single phase for maximum charging rate
Performance
- Maximum vehicle weight: 4,080 lb (1851 kg)
- Vehicle curb weight: 3,060–3,200 lb (1388–1452 kg)
- Payload: 880–1,020 lb (400–463 kg)
- Rated top speed: 70 mph (113 km/h)
- 0–50 mph acceleration: 12 seconds
- Range (FUDS): 100 miles (161 km)
Although the Ecostar never entered mass production, it remains an interesting example of Ford’s electric vehicle research in the 1990s and demonstrates how manufacturers continued to experiment with alternative propulsion systems decades before today’s EV market expanded.
