Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said Tuesday it will launch at least two new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the next three years as it faces rising fuel-efficiency standards.
The automaker disclosed it will launch a plug-in hybrid Chrysler Town & Country minivan in 2016 and a yet-to-be-named full-size Chrysler crossover in 2017. Chrysler chief Al Gardner said the new plug-in minivan — the industry’s first — will get 75 miles per gallon in battery mode, but didn’t immediately disclose the battery range, pricing or other details.
The automaker also said it is scrapping the Dodge Caravan in 2016 when the new minivan is launched. Chrysler didn’t disclose any planned EVs for either its Dodge or Jeep brands through 2018.
Chrysler’s fleetwide fuel efficiency has been at the bottom of the industry and it has only sold a small number of Fiat 500 EVs. It doesn’t currently sell any plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Chrysler powertrain chief Bob Lee said that the minivan is to comply with California’s zero emisison vehicle requirements. He said “electrification has been overblown by the media. With the exception of a relatively small group of early adopters, the market continues to be primarily drive by regulatory requirements,” he said.
Chrysler will launch several mild hybrids soon after the plug-in minivan. While Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor Co. have all announced plans to start selling fuel-cell vehicles by next year, Chrysler says they aren’t “commercially viable.”
“The technology is too expensive and the infrastructure to create and distribute hydrogen with a net CO2 footprint reduction is not in place,” Lee said.
In order to meet government requirements, Chrysler has purchased credits that allow its vehicles to emit more greenhouse gases, and will continue to do so. “This buys us time,” Lee said.
Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140506/AUTO0101/305060059/Chrysler-launch-plug-hybrid-electric-minivan-16
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