This will be my first hybrid to drive.

[jeffdeq]

I have been researching all I can find about this power train. Ford is now in the fourth generation of the eCVT so I guess the design has been successful so far. Here is a good article to read for more details.
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/ford-escape.htm

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[MLowe05]

I admit I haven't did any deep dive into this, but it's my understanding that this is essentially the same design as what is used in the Prius. So it should be very efficient and pleasing to drive. I have a lot of seat time in a Prius and I enjoy it.

We owned a 2015 Optima Hybrid some years ago and that was a different experience. It had a traditional 6-speed automatic. That made it a bit weird and also a lot less efficient.

 

[jeffdeq]

The only thing I own that is direct drive with no gears to shift is my golf cart. It is pretty quiet!

 

[CASD57]

It will be my First also Kind of reminds of...Well...Nevermind

 

[TCK]

Never driven one myself, but this drivetrain is proven for sure. Shoot- never even seen a Maverick, but that is likely to change before my order goes into production because well…I took the hybrid truck bait and now sit dangling on the hook…

 

[Shay]

 

[mav_can]

Sam I see your Maverick videos get way more views than anything else. Please don’t let that turn you into a Maverick only channel! I just want to throw you encouragement on your other content, and keep up the great work. I don’t think there are enough of us to sustain a channel forever!

 

[jeffdeq]

Never driven one myself, but this drivetrain is proven for sure. Shoot- never even seen a Maverick, but that is likely to change before my order goes into production because well…I took the hybrid truck bait and now sit dangling on the hook…

Based upon my research today, this hybrid’s only weakness is that it only holds 5 quarts of Mercon LV transmission fluid. There is no dipstick so it is a must to watch for any leaks, AND!…., some online transmission techs recommend replacing the transmission fluid at least by 60,000 miles or sooner. The gears, trans-axle assembly, component bearings and two electric motors/bearings are immersed in just 5 quarts of oil.
There is a straightforward YouTube video showing how easy it is to change the transmission fluid.

 

[Bushpilot]

I own a Chevy Volt, which is very similar in hybrid technology. It is a joy to drive.

I expect the same from the Maverick.

 

[TCK]

Great video- thank you sir.

 

[MLowe05]

Does Ford say this transmission fluid is lifetime?

 

[Rob Cactus Gray]

Does Ford say this transmission fluid is lifetime?

No, the manual (page 441) recommends under normal driving to chang the fluid at 150k miles. Under special operating conditions (page 442) the manual recommends to change the fluid every 30k miles. However it doesn’t clarify what those special operating conditions are, I assume the more frequent your oil change light comes on the more frequent the transmission fluid should be changed. My other concern is how can fluid go from 150k miles down to 30k miles? Where is the middle ground here? I’m reading between the lines and 150k miles is probably too much for just about anyone. Not to mention the time factor, can trans fluid last 10-15 years?

 

[MLowe05]

That is quite a drop off, but towing is tough.. I'll never be towing.

 

[jeffdeq]

That is quite a drop off, but towing is tough.. I'll never be towing.

I agree, we really can’t tow much with a 2000# towing limit. However, I believe the heat generated by the electric traction motor and starter motor inside the eCVT transmission might be enough to stress the transmission fluid over time. A common automatic transmission has more than twice the volume of fluid compared to this eCVT, and utilizes a front cooler to control the temperature of the fluid. I think it would be wise to change the 5 quarts of Mercon LV fluid every 30,000 miles.
The hybrids are not being offered with AWD at this time, but when they do, there will be another issue with the front and rear gear boxes for the AWD drive. They only hold 1 quart of 90W gear oil in each. That’s not much lube for 100,000 miles of service. It appears Ford keeps capacities at a minimum to conserve weight.

 

[fbov]

I have been researching all I can find about this power train. ...
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/ford-escape.htm

This video is accurate but outdated. It covers Gen 1 and 2, the Japanese-made transmissions, which had different internal combustion engines and motor/generator power ratings. General description is spot-on, but specifics are wrong for Gen 3 or Gen 4 drivetrains. Maverick will be HF45+.

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