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EPA Trends on EVs and PHEVs; beginning of a “measurable and meaningful impact” on new vehicle fuel economy and emissions

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With alternative fuel vehicles now approaching 1% of new vehicle production, however, they are in fact beginning to have a “ measurable and meaningful impact ” on overall new vehicle fuel economy and CO 2 emissions. In the analysis, EPA uses overall fuel economy in mpg equivalent (mpge) and tailpipe CO 2 emission values.

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Chrysler Group launches second phase of PHEV minivan project

Green Car Congress

Three plug-in hybrid-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivans ( earlier post ) went into service with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), bringing to 25 the total number of such vehicles on US roads. Components of the flex-fuel PHEV minivan. Components of the flex-fuel PHEV minivan.

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Chrysler introduces Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan; 80 mpge city, 30-mile AER

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Chrysler unveiled the all-new 2017 Pacifica minivan in both conventional and plug-in hybrid versions at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The PHEV is the minivan segment’s first. The Pacifica Hybrid will deliver an estimated all-electric range of 30 miles from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.

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2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid PHEV minivan EPA-rated at 84 MPGe in electric-only mode; role of eFlite dual-motor/one-way clutch strategy

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Exceeding its initial program targets, the plug-in 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid ( earlier post ) has earned an electric-mode fuel economy rating of 84 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). No other minivan has ever come close to this rating. (As Click to enlarge.

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EPA annual trends report finds new vehicle fuel economy at record 24.1 mpg; new powertrain technologies rapidly gaining share

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EPA released the latest edition of its annual report on trends in CO 2 emissions, fuel economy and powertrain technology for new personal vehicles in the US. Fuel economy has now increased in eight of the last nine years; average carbon dioxide emissions are also at a record low of 369 g/mile in model year 2013.

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Chrysler Group withdraws test PHEV fleet to upgrade battery packs after overheating issues; to use a different chemistry

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On Friday, Chrysler Group LLC announced it was withdrawing from service its test fleet of plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) to conduct a battery-pack upgrade. No similar issues have occurred with 23 plug-in hybrid minivans deployed as part of a parallel project (also with Electrovaya batteries, ( earlier post ).

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Chrysler to introduce PHEV models in 2016 and 2017 to meet ZEV requirements; new FCA gasoline engine family coming in 2015

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) Chrysler Brand will launch two plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) over the next several years, said Al Gardner, President and CEO of the Chrysler Brand, during the FCA Investor Day presentations at Auburn Hills, Mi. FCA will launch a PHEV minivan in 2016 to comply with ZEV requirements.

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