* DaimlerChrysler investigates plug-in technology with test fleet
* Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can drive up to
20 miles on electric only power
* Industry first PHEV combined with five cylinder diesel for maximum fuel
efficiency
* Advanced battery research will help future hybrid development
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Up to 40 Dodge
Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) will be placed in operation
with customers in California, Kansas City and New York among other locations
within the United States. As part of a test fleet program DaimlerChrysler is
placing the Dodge Sprinter PHEV with a variety of customers around the world.
The company is the only auto manufacturer to investigate the feasibility of
plug-in hybrid technology in real world tests.
Plug-in technology lends itself to commercial applications in which the
vehicle returns to base after each shift to be plugged into the power grid but
also works well in urban traffic situations for daily commuters.
Battery development is one of the keys to the success of hybrid
transportation and PHEV's yield valuable information through durability tests.
Based on Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle technology, 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 mated to
the PHEV system, a five cylinder diesel and a V6 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, which also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline
engines, advanced diesel technology, ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel
cell vehicles.
SOURCE Chrysler Group
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com
CONTACT:
Nicholas Cappa, +1-248-512-4266,
nc503@daimlerchrysler.com , or Cole Quinnell, +1-248-512-0315,
cq12@daimlerchrysler.com , both of Chrysler Group
NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from
DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com .
|
