Owners of the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will get a little help from technology to maximize driving efficiency.
Through a variety of features, including the minivan’s 8.4-inch touch screen, the 7-inch color thin film transistor (TFT) cluster display and the Pacifica Hybrid’s Uconnect Access smartphone app, drivers will have a number of “coaches” to get the best possible performance from the industry’s first electrified minivan.
“Our research tells us that our customers want a coach. They want something on-board to give them feedback, so they can tune their driving habits to be more efficient,” said Kevin Mets, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid chief engineer. “Our goal in trying meet that need was to do it in a way where we would drive the feedback in a very easy, understandable format without being overt or in your face.”
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid driver information display.
FCA US LLC engineers leveraged the Pacifica’s driver information display to provide vital driving information to drivers.
The touch-screen and cluster display, which are also available in the gasoline version of Pacifica, have been enhanced in the hybrid model.
Hybrid Electric Pages
Hybrid Electric Pages
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes with available Uconnect Navigation and Uconnect Access connected services on the Uconnect
8.4 system. Unique to the Pacifica Hybrid is the all-new Hybrid Electric Pages. This standard feature on all hybrid models provides owners with information, including:
- Power Flow: Provides a dynamic illustration showing how/where power is flowing within the vehicle, from battery to the engine, the wheels or the HVAC system, or from regenerative braking back to the battery,
- Driving History: Displays a chart showing distance driven in electric mode and hybrid mode, graphed by day,
- Charge Scheduling: Allows owners to schedule the Pacifica Hybrid’s charging times (making the most of off-peak charging rates) and provides an option to override set times to charge immediately.
These services are available on the minivan’s 8.4-inch touch screen, which is in the vehicle’s dashboard.
Hybrid-specific cluster display
The Pacifica Hybrid’s 7-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster is unique to the hybrid model. The customizable cluster display changes color to indicate whether the Pacifica is operating in electric mode (teal) or hybrid mode (blue), while both the battery level and fuel level are always displayed. The Pacifica Hybrid’s total range (combining both battery and fuel) is also displayed.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid customizable cluster display.
One of the available displays is an “efficiency coach,” which guides owners to drive more efficiently and maximize the time spent in battery mode. The efficiency coach directs the driver on how to modulate the throttle in order to optimize energy consumption while accelerating, and provides guidance on braking in order to take full advantage of the regenerative braking that charges the battery.
Uconnect Access App
The Uconnect Access app for the Pacifica Hybrid delivers remote access to the vehicle’s sophisticated technology. Owners can check the state of charge of their vehicle’s battery, along with vehicle range and estimated time to full recharge by accessing the app on their smartphone.
Once the app is opened, owners can get charge status updates, see if their Pacifica Hybrid is plugged in and also schedule when they want it to charge. The Uconnect Access app can display the locations of charging stations and their availability, in real time. The Uconnect Access app also offers features available for other FCA US vehicles, such as the ability to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, remotely start the vehicle, send destinations to the Uconnect navigation with Send ‘n Go and more.
The Uconnect Access App is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
“To make sure owners and their families get the most out of the innovative, efficient hybrid powertrain, the all-new Pacifica is loaded with high-tech features that make it easy to connect, charge and maximize the efficiency of their minivan, even remotely from their smartphones,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. “Whether it’s scheduling the Pacifica Hybrid’s charge times, locating nearby charging stations, remotely checking the vehicle’s charge status or maximizing efficiency while driving, the Pacifica Hybrid’s advanced technologies let owners easily connect with the vehicle whenever and wherever best suits their schedule.”
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a total driving range of 566 miles, achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid pricing starts at $34,495 with available U.S. federal tax credit, not including state and local incentives.
