DaimlerChrysler Expands Concept Plug-in Hybrid Program
March 27 2007 - 9:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
- Next-generation plug-in hybrid concept will be built on the all -
new 2007 Dodge Sprinter platform AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 27
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a display of commitment to the
development of hybrid powertrain architecture and advanced
batteries, DaimlerChrysler is expanding its concept plug-in hybrid
program to include the all-new 2007 Dodge Sprinter. Up to 20 Dodge
Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) will be placed in
the United States between now and the first quarter of 2008 as part
of a test-fleet program. Four of the vehicles, built on the
previous- generation Dodge Sprinter, already are in operation with
customers. DaimlerChrysler is the only auto manufacturer currently
evaluating a variety of plug-in hybrid powertrain (diesel and gas)
configurations in real-world, customer-operation service within the
United States. Battery development is one of the keys to the
success of hybrid and fuel- cell transportation. Lithium-ion holds
the greatest promise for battery technology. A number of the Dodge
Sprinter PHEVs will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries that are
about half the weight and have much greater storage capacities when
compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries. The vehicles will
yield technical information through real-world driving conditions
about lifetime, performance and cost of batteries. "For plug-in
hybrid technology to move forward, a dramatic leap in battery
technology is necessary," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President -
Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler Group. "The energy storage
systems in the Dodge Sprinter PHEV concept fleet will provide
valuable field experience on the possibilities with lithium-ion
battery technology." Plug-in technology lends itself to commercial
applications where the vehicle returns to base after each shift to
be plugged into the power grid. In short stop-and-go routes, the
vehicle will use very little fuel. The Dodge Sprinter PHEV has the
ability to drive up to 20 miles on electric-only power. It
accomplishes this with a switch on the dashboard giving the
operator the ability to manually switch between modes as needed, or
automatically by the vehicle control system. Two different
combustion engines are being offered in the Dodge Sprinter PHEV --
diesel or gasoline. The diesel version will yield the highest fuel
economy benefit and is the first fleet test of a diesel plug-in
hybrid system. Plug-in hybrid technology is part of
DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella that also
includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesel
technology, ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.
DATASOURCE: DaimlerChrysler CONTACT: Nick Cappa, +1-248-512-4266,
or , or Todd Goyer, +1-248-512-0041, or , both of DaimlerChrysler
Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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