DaimlerChrysler's Hybrid SUV Offers What Customers Want
10 November 1999
DaimlerChrysler's Hybrid Sport Utility Offers Performance, Fuel Economy and Low Emissions in an Affordable Vehicle AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 10 -- DaimlerChrysler
is preparing to offer a hybrid vehicle that customers want -- a high
performance sport utility vehicle with improved fuel economy and lower
emissions -- at an affordable cost.
There's one catch: The company is waiting on the U.S. Congress to pass a
package of $3,000 in tax incentives that would make the hybrid SUV competitive
costwise with its conventional gas-powered counterparts.
The gas-electric hybrid Dodge Durango SUV, with patented through-the-road
powertrain technology, gives consumers the option of an environmentally-
friendly vehicle that continues to provide the performance, size and utility
U.S. customers want.
"You can get V-8 power out of a V-6 and make fewer stops at the gas
station," said Bernard Robertson, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President,
Engineering Technologies. "It's exactly what people want -- to be able to
have a positive impact on the environment without having to pay for it. The
added irony is that this is done in a sport utility vehicle."
The Dodge Durango hybrid is really the concept vehicle Chrysler Citadel
powertrain philosophy adapted to an SUV.
The hybrid Durango combines two separate propulsion systems: a 3.9-liter,
V-6 engine with automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels, and a
three-phase, AC induction electric motor that drives the front wheels. The
electric motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration, and recaptures
energy normally lost during deceleration.
The combination provides the power, acceleration and performance of a
conventional V-8 engine. In fact, it is quicker than a 5.9-liter V-8-powered
Durango from 0-60 miles per hour.
The hybrid powertrain yields a 20 percent increase in fuel economy,
achieving 18.6 miles per gallon combined city/highway, compared with 15.5
miles per gallon for the conventional V-8 Durango. The application of fuel-
saving hybrid technology in a popular sport utility vehicle results in greater
overall savings in fuel consumption than the same technology applied to a
smaller passenger car.
"If every SUV sold in this country got that kind of improved fuel economy
with a hybrid powertrain, we would save 142 million gallons of gas a year,"
Robertson said.
In addition, the improved fuel economy results in reduced emissions of
carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is produced in the combustion of fossil
fuels.
Passengers also enjoy a quieter, smoother ride, with no sacrifices in
comfort or equipment options, although trailer tow capability is reduced.
The gains in fuel efficiency result in part from the downsizing of
components in the hybrid vehicle. A smaller engine can be used, permitting
use of smaller related components, including catalytic converter, fan and fan
clutch, radiator, and drive shaft. The improved fuel economy, in turn,
permits use of a smaller fuel tank (20 gallons vs. 25 gallons).
The Durango hybrid builds on DaimlerChrysler's research and development in
earlier projects, including the Dodge Intrepid ESX series hybrid, which
includes an aluminum body to reduce weight, the Dodge Intrepid ESX2 mybrid
(mild hybrid), and the Chrysler Citadel, the concept vehicle which was the
first to implement DaimlerChrysler's patented through-the-road technology.
With the performance provided by the gas-electric hybrid, the Durango can
be adapted for the U.S. and European markets to meet consumers' differing
demands for fuel economy, lower emissions and performance.
While the Durango has the potential to become a popular, fuel efficient
and environmentally friendly SUV, several challenges remain.
Improved battery technology is needed. The current version of the Durango
uses lead-acid batteries, which would be unsuitable for a production vehicle.
DaimlerChrysler is working with a major battery manufacturer to develop a
lithium-ion battery for the vehicle. Improved batteries would lower the cost
of the vehicle and extend its range.
However, it is crucial that tax incentives currently being considered by
the U.S. Congress also be put in place. These incentives -- up to $2,000 for
use of a vehicle with a non-engine power source and up to $1,000 per vehicle
with regenerative braking -- would make the hybrid Durango competitive
costwise with the conventional gas-powered Durango.
"Consumers are in love with the size, safety, comfort and versatility of
the sport utility vehicle. To offer them an affordable SUV that is also more
fuel efficient and lower in emissions would have a major impact on our
national oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," said Robertson.
