The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid pairs an innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission with a specially modified version of the upgraded 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine that features an Atkinson cycle combustion system. The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is stored under the second-row floor, keeping the rear cargo area as roomy as ever and preserving the third-row Stow ‘n Go seating. 

Chrysler,Jeep,Powertrains | October 06 2020

Power, range and fuel efficiency: The benefits of plug-in hybrid vehicles

A growing number of vehicle shoppers are considering buying or leasing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), attracted by the combination of improved fuel economy, lower emissions that help save the environment and the feel of performance that an electric motor delivers.

We have offered PHEV technology in the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan since the 2017 model year and will add it to the Jeep® brand with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. We also offer vehicles in Europe and China with plug-in hybrid technology.

2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

With the popularity of PHEVs growing, let’s take a brief look at how they operate:

  • Hybrids and PHEVs combine propulsion from two or more power sources, typically internal combustion engines and electric motors. For example, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors
  • The multiple power sources enable a PHEV to operate in multiple modes – electric power, internal combustion power or a blend of the two. Electric motors deliver high torque at low rpm, helping give a performance feel to the powertrain
  • Some hybrids recharge their battery pack during driving. A PHEV offers the option to recharge the battery pack by plugging the vehicle into an electric source, such as a public charging station or the power in a home garage
  • With a 220-volt charger (Level 2) installed at home or at the public charging station, a PHEV battery pack can typically be recharged in two to three hours, depending on the size of the pack and its state of charge. PHEVs can also be recharged with the standard 110-volt home current, although the charge time can be 11 hours or more. Owners can also schedule the PHEV battery to recharge overnight, when electricity costs are usually lower

A PHEV offers fuel-saving free driving when operating in electric mode. For example, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan can travel more than 30 miles on electric power, enough range to cover many daily commutes.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle features the most luxurious interior in its class and remains the first and only hybrid in the segment, achieving more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles.

When the battery pack reaches its minimum charge, the internal combustion engine joins in to keep things moving – the Pacifica Hybrid has a total range of more than 500 miles – without the anxiety of running out of power.

PHEVs combine power sources and the benefits of both – emissions-free, fuel-saving electric propulsion and the driving range of internal combustion engines. It’s a combination that is attracting more attention from vehicle shoppers and on the road.

Dale Jewett
Do you know your blood type? Mine is 100 octane (not your standard blood bank classification). At any given moment, I’m thinking about cars – driving one, fixing one, buying one or (in my dreams) restoring one. So I love to tell stories that involve horsepower, brake and wheel diameters
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Do you know your blood type? Mine is 100 octane (not your standard blood bank classification). At any given moment, I’m thinking about cars – driving one, fixing one, buying one or (in my dreams) restoring one. So I love to tell stories that involve horsepower, brake and wheel diameters and 0-to-60 times – and the people who make it happen. Because behind every awesome vehicle are amazing people with vision and the desire to make it a reality. I cover Mopar, Dodge, SRT and motorsports for Stellantis Digital Media. I learned to drive on a 1973 Jeep CJ-5 with the rare Super Jeep option package and three-speed manual transmission. I still belong to the dwindling club of people who prefer to shift their own gears, and think the best way to drive is with the top down!