Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Technology and Warranty Information

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid delivers the best of both electric and gas power. Powered by an electric motor and gasoline engine, the Pacifica Hybrid automatically switches between electric power and hybrid power based on driving situations. It's never been easier to get the efficiency you want with a surprisingly extensive driving range.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid At a Glance

While we will explore the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in great depth, we wanted to open with some key points:

• The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid matches innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) with a specially-modified version of the upgraded 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, which sports an Atkinson cycle combustion system.
• It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment rated at 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, 33 mile all-electric range and total range of 566 miles.
• It features a 16-kWh battery pack under the second-row floor, so as to keep the rear cargo area as roomy as possible and to preserve third-row Stow ‘n Go^TM seating.
• To provide additional electric range by charging the battery, the regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy into electricity.
• Pacifica Hybrid qualifies for $7,500 federal tax credit and may qualify for additional state and local incentives.

Similar to the gas-powered Pacifica model, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid introduces its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, yet this iteration is specially adapted to align with the innovative, Fiat-Chrylser Automobiles (FCA) US-designed eFlite dual-motor electrically variable transmission (EVT). Being the industry’s first electrified minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid offers an estimated 260 total system horsepower along with an estimated range of 33 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.

While in electric-only mode, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an efficiency rating of 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

What is an eFlite Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT)?

The key technology that makes this all work is the innovative eFlite EVT. Engineered by FCA US, eFlite EVT features two electric motors. Both motors have the capability to drive the vehicle’s wheels.

In a conventional electrification scheme, one motor is dedicated to serving as a generator and a second motor, which is usually much larger than the first motor, delivers torque to the wheels. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, however, employs a one-way clutch, which actually allows the motor typically used only as a generator to send torque to the wheels, depending on driving conditions. As you can imagine, the end result is increased efficiency, refinement and improved component packaging.

Whether you are in electric or hybrid mode for your typical city and highway driving, the blended plug-in hybrid technology delivers a seamless driving experience. In fact, during normal driving conditions, the top speed in all-electric mode is an impressive 75 mph.

When the battery’s depletion reaches a certain threshold, the Pacifica Hybrid becomes a part-time electric vehicle, more like a conventional hybrid vehicle, to efficiently maximize energy needs in existing conditions. Power is delivered to the wheels via the electric drive system or supplemented by a specially-adapted version of the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine.

A Truly Unique Hybrid Engine

Based on Pentastar engine architecture updated from the previous model, the new hybrid engine has an Atkinson cycle combustion system for better pumping efficiency with no compromise to vehicle performance. This is because its hybrid electric motors are working together with the engine when full load performance is required. The Atkinson cycle leaves the intake valve open longer before combustion, which helps to decrease pumping losses for increased efficiency.

Unique "handed" pistons deliver a compression ratio increase to 12.5:1 for more thermodynamic efficiency improvement.

Further, the front cover and front accessory drive system were re-engineered to account for the removal of the alternator and power steering pump, which is common to most hybrid engines.

Additional upgrades to the specially-adapted 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 eHybrid engine include friction reduction improvements, as well as ignition and fuel injection improvements. Gone are the two-step valve lift and cooled exhaust gas recirculation as the Atkinson cycle combustion system has been added.

Since Pacifica Hybrid owners could drive for weeks (or even months) using just the battery power, the Pacifica Hybrid constantly monitors the average age of fuel in the tank to ensure you are getting optimal performance from your

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