FORD's failure to fix the ESCAPE PHEV is a problem for me. Trust FORD?

[gzebrick]

We have a 25 Escape PHEV in the family. It has an on-board smallish battery (spec'd at 14.4 kWh with about 11.5 kWh useable), FORD recently issued a recall for what has reportedly been a extremely rare issue. Some few batteries have vented on a very very small percentage of the PHEV vehicles. No fires, no crashes, but the battery failed. Ford's new recall notice states the owner should charge the battery to only 80% capacity AND use only the EV-AUTO setting (not EV-NOW nor EV-later) until the software fix is installed by the dealer. After the fix, you can then charge back up to 100% and use all modes.

It's BS.

The software fix is supposed to take about 1/2 day and it includes extra monitoring software PLUS this gem... the software update may result in a loss of capacity of about 12%.

Ain't no doubt. There's actually a reported 20% loss of capacity after the install. Not miles, not range.. CAPACITY. Easily verified per history recorded app and OBDII data, Before the update, say a 100% charge may add 10 kWh or so (varies) and if you reduced the max limit to 80% added only an expected 8 kWh.

After the update, charging to 100% now adds... you guessed it... 8kWh.

The fix is just to change the calibration so the OLD 80% is now the NEW 100%. They didn't fix crap!!!!

20% is bad enough, but if your daily commute was just about 40 miles, you probably barely ran your ICE... now when you apply the fix, the ICE will run EVERY DAY! For MILES! A 20% reduction in battery capacity may equal a 1000% INCREASE is ICE usage.

Waiting for the class-action lawsuit.
When Chevy had a known issue with the BOLT batteries, they stepped up and actually FIXED the problem, Replacement batteries!

This REALLY TURNS ME OFF. I don't think I trust FORD to do what's right with the FATHOM, and I sure as hell won't be in line to get one for the first 2 years or so.

I know a FORD rep monitors this forum. Care to comment?

 

[onuiebvbevnulib]

That is the problem with NCM batteries used in the 25 Escape PHEV.

NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese, also called NMC) electric vehicle batteries offer high energy density and long driving ranges, but they also face distinct technical, safety, and supply chain challenges.

Key Problems with NCM Batteries

• Thermal Stability & Safety Risks: Higher nickel content in the cathode reduces thermal stability, increasing the risk of overheating and thermal runaway. This requires complex Battery Management Systems (BMS) and active cooling setups.
• Degradation at High States of Charge: NCM batteries degrade faster when stored or kept at a 100% charge, especially in warm temperatures. Manufacturers often recommend limiting daily charging to 80% to protect long-term battery health.
• Shorter Cycle Life: NCM cells generally provide around 2,000 to 3,000 charge and discharge cycles, which is lower than alternative chemistries like LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate).
• Cobalt Dependency & Ethics: Cobalt is a critical structural stabilizer in NCM cells, but roughly 70% of the world's supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising human rights and geopolitical supply chain concerns.
• High Production Costs: Cobalt and high-grade nickel are expensive commodities, making NCM packs costlier to manufacture than cobalt-free alternatives

Note the line above: "Manufacturers often recommend limiting daily charging to 80% to protect long-term battery health.". Ford is just implemented what should have been done first: 100% charge showing to the customer is really 80% charge to the battery.

So yes you will lose advertised range but at least your battery won't degrade faster or catch fire.

The Fathom uses LFP cells which can be charged to 100% all the time without issues. No degradation or fire issues.

Alan Clarke mentioned that Ford will recommend to customers to charge up the Fathom every night at home. He even mentioned it is beneficial to do so.

So yes I trust Ford for their battery choice for the Fathom.

 

[mark]

It would appear that the pioneers in the EV market have had their share of problems. I worked for an entrepenuer who told me you do no t want to be first or last with a new product. First has start up issues and last has nothing but price. the buyers are now about tenyears into this product cycle. Batteries a re now into at least a second and maybe a third improvement cycle. Ford has taken their lumps with the Lightning. Their desire to learn from their experience and come back with next generation is something I respect. They have licsenced the battery technology from China. China has been a leader in technologies for energy production and storage for about ten years (the deal with Tesla dates back a while ). I am personally more concerned about the software and integrated body and wiring than I am about the batteries. Modules are expensive compared to discrete parts.

 

[gzebrick]

That is the problem with NCM batteries used in the 25 Escape PHEV.



Note the line above: "Manufacturers often recommend limiting daily charging to 80% to protect long-term battery health.". Ford is just implemented what should have been done first: 100% charge showing to the customer is really 80% charge to the battery.

So yes you will lose advertised range but at least your battery won't degrade faster or catch fire.

The Fathom uses LFP cells which can be charged to 100% all the time without issues. No degradation or fire issues.

Alan Clarke mentioned that Ford will recommend to customers to charge up the Fathom every night at home. He even mentioned it is beneficial to do so.

So yes I trust Ford for their battery choice for the Fathom.

The original useable capacity of 11 kWh was already about 80% of the actual battery so there is/was absolutely no reason to reduce charging any less than 100% on the battery.

The recommendation for 80% doesn’t really apply any longer.

I maintain FORD is peddling bullshit with this fix.