Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Has 31% Lower Environmental Impact Than Conventional Model

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

Originally published on Gas2.

Engineers at Fiat Chrysler have calculated the total environmental impact of the new Pacifica Hybrid and determined that over 120,000 miles, it is 31% more environmentally friendly than its sibling, the internal combustion powered Town and Country minivan.

The software used by FCA engineers determines Global Warming Potential, which takes into account the environmental impact of fuel production and delivery, along with the implications of the vehicle’s own fuel consumption.

Improvements are measured by contrasting anticipated CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, with those of comparable vehicles. CO2e, is a term for describing various greenhouse gases as a common unit. For any quantity and type of greenhouse gas, CO2e signifies the amount of carbon dioxide that would have the equivalent effect on global warming.

The numbers show that over 120,000 miles of driving, the Pacifica Hybrid will produce 21 metric tons fewer CO2e greenhouse gas emissions. Put in other terms, a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s potential emissions savings are equivalent to:

  • the average annual C02 output of 22 American households
  •  14 commercial flights from Detroit to Los Angeles
  •  driving the average U.S. passenger vehicle more than 50,000 miles

The Pacifica Hybrid delivers a 24% reduction in Global Warming Potential when compared with its gasoline powered twin, the regular Pacifica minivan. That is despite the fact that the plug-in hybrid version weighs 650 pounds more. The Pacifica Hybrid’s unique powertrain helps offset the effects of added weight. It features a specially adapted version of the award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 engine, mated to a dual motor, eFlite electrically variable transmission.

This advanced technology helped the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan achieve a fuel-economy rating of 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That is far higher than any previous minivan and most cars currently for sale to American consumers.

Look for the Pacifica Hybrid in dealer showrooms before the end of March starting as low as $34,495 after the federal tax credit but excluding any state or local incentives.

Source: Electric Cars Report

Reprinted with permission.


Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest CleanTechnica TV Video


Advertisement
 
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.

Steve Hanley

Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Florida or anywhere else The Force may lead him. He is proud to be "woke" and doesn't really give a damn why the glass broke. He believes passionately in what Socrates said 3000 years ago: "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new." You can follow him on Substack and LinkedIn but not on Fakebook or any social media platforms controlled by narcissistic yahoos.

Steve Hanley has 5455 posts and counting. See all posts by Steve Hanley