Chrysler News: Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid To Be The Largest Hybrid Model For FCA

[William Maley]

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have been a bit behind the curve when it comes to alternative powertrains. But the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid shows the company is beginning to catch up.

 

Speaking with The Truth About Cars, FCA's global hybrid chief Michael Duhaime said that hybrid power found in the next-generation minivan is very scaleable.

 

“This’ll be the largest footprint — in the Pacifica. As we get into the smaller vehicles, basically what we’ll do is put smaller electric motors. The power electronics is part of the transmission … all that stays consistent. We’ll just go with smaller motors, and then the final drive will change with the different vehicles,” said Duhaime.

 

Compared to the old two-mode hybrid system, the new system uses planetary gears to increase variability and efficiency for the three modes, not a set of fixed gears. Also, the new system can be used in a number of front-wheel drive models. Two-Mode was never used on a front-wheel drive vehicle, only the four-wheel drive Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango.

 

Source: The Truth About Cars

View full article

[G. David Felt]

I believe we will see many such new Hybrids over the coming years between now and 2018. Be interesting to see what wins and looses.