Hybrid technology continues to advance and become more mainstream and Ford Motor Company researchers are leading the pack to advance hybrid car technology. Ford unveiled a hydrogen-fueled, battery-powered Ford Edge at the 2007 Washington Auto Show in January.

Developed under contract from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Edge is powered by the HySeries Drive, a hybrid-electric propulsion system that uses the fuel-cell power unit as a charger for the 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

The vehicle runs on its battery for the first 25 miles at speeds of up to 85 mph. When the batter reaches 60% of power reserves, the fuel cell engages to recharge the battery. This gives the car the ability to go 225 miles on one charge and a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. Recharging the batter is as simple as plugging it into a standard electrical outlet overnight.

Ford also plans to launch a few new hybrids in the coming years, including a Mazda Tribute Hybrid and hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

Also at the show, Ford unveiled the first Ford Escape Hybrid E85. It is a demonstration vehicle combining multiple oil-saving technologies — hybrid electric power and flexible-fuel capability. The Escape Hybrid E85 is the first hybrid car with the ability to operate on blends of fuel containing as much as 85 percent ethanol. Deliveries will begin this spring.