The highly anticipated (and poorly named) plug-in minivan from Chrysler – the Pacifica Hybrid, has bested its own estimated performance numbers with today’s EPA ratings announcement.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid enjoys the beach
These factors also lead to the EPA giving the van a rating of 10 on its Green Vehicle Guide, a sliding scale that was established to judge a vehicle’s “combined performance on fuel economy and greenhouse-gas emissions”. Chrysler notes that this is the first time a minivan has been rated as a 10.
“(The rating) marks the first time a minivan has achieved a 10 – the highest possible rating – in this category. Such performance firmly establishes the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient minivan of all time.”
More press via Chrysler is available on the achievement below, after an early first drive video on the Pacifica Hybrid by Alex on Autos. Also check out our own Tom Moloughney’s review of the Pacifica Hybrid from the LA Auto Show here.
More via Chrysler:
Most Fuel-efficient Minivan Ever: All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Exceeds Target Performance, Achieves 84 MPGe Rating
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid arrives in early 2017
…“A large share of credit goes to the vehicle’s eFlite dual-motor electrically variable transmission (EVT),” said Bob Lee, Head of Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion, and Systems Engineering, FCA – North America.
eFlite, the Pacifica Hybrid’s distinguishing technology, is an in-house FCA US innovation. It was developed by a team of engineers assigned exclusively to the task of delivering powertrain efficiency within the functionality envelope customers expect from minivans.
“It is exceptionally well-suited to deliver the primary attributes we sought to infuse in the Pacifica Hybrid’s propulsion system – class-leading efficiency and superior refinement,” added Lee, who also oversees the Company’s global powertrain operations.
Conventional electrification schemes dedicate one motor to serve as a generator and a second motor – usually much larger – to deliver torque to the wheels. But the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a one-way clutch that allows the motor typically used only as a generator to deliver torque to the wheels, depending on driving conditions.
The result is increased efficiency, refinement and improved component packaging.
Chrysler Pacifica’s 16 kWh battery
The Pacifica Hybrid’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located under the second-row floor, keeping the rear cargo area as roomy as ever and preserving the third-row Stow ‘n Go seating and storage, plus room for seven passengers. Recharging can take as little as two hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger, available from Mopar through dealers.
With a 120-volt (Level 1) charger, which comes standard with the vehicle, the Pacifica Hybrid can be fully recharged in approximately 14 hours. The vehicle also benefits from regenerative braking.
When the battery’s energy is depleted to a certain threshold, the Pacifica Hybrid becomes a part-time electric vehicle, like a conventional hybrid, to maximize energy and efficiency. Power to the wheels is supplied by the electric drive system or supplemented by a specially adapted new version of the award-winning gasoline-powered Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6.
An upgraded version of the original 3.6-liter Pentastar – named one of Wards 10 Best Engines on three occasions – the new V-6 uses the Atkinson combustion-cycle system. This helps reduce pumping losses to further improve efficiency.
The EPA estimates the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s annual fuel cost, gas and electricity combined, at $900. The vehicle pricing starts at $34,495 with available U.S. federal tax credit, not including state and local incentives.
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