All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Is the First Electrified Minivan, Expands Segment Leadership for FCA US

November 16, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Like its gas-powered Pacifica counterpart, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid features the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine, but this iteration is specially adapted to pair with the innovative, FCA US-designed eFlite dual-motor electrically variable transmission (EVT). As the industry’s first electrified minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid delivers an estimated 260 total system horsepower and an estimated range of 33 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
 
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.
 
eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT)
The pivotal technology behind the all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is its innovative eFlite EVT. Designed by FCA US, the device features two electric motors – both of which are capable of driving the vehicle’s wheels.
 
Conventional electrification schemes dedicate one motor to serve as a generator and a second motor – usually much larger – to deliver torque to the wheels. But the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a one-way clutch that allows the motor typically used only as a generator to deliver torque to the wheels, depending on driving conditions. The result is increased efficiency, refinement and improved component packaging.
 
The blended plug-in hybrid design offers a seamless driving experience for the customer, whether in electric or hybrid mode for typical city and highway driving. Under normal driving conditions, the top speed in all-electric mode is approximately 75 miles per hour (mph).
 
When the battery’s energy is depleted to a certain threshold, the Pacifica Hybrid becomes a part-time electric vehicle, like a conventional hybrid, to maximize energy and efficiency. Power to the wheels is supplied by the electric drive system or supplemented by a specially adapted new version of the award-winning FCA US Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
 
Unique hybrid engine
Based on the newly upgraded Pentastar engine architecture, the new hybrid engine features an Atkinson cycle combustion system for improved pumping efficiency without compromising vehicle performance, due to its hybrid electric motors working in tandem with the engine when full load performance is required. The Atkinson cycle leaves the intake valve open longer prior to combustion, which helps to reduce pumping losses for increased efficiency.
 
Unique “handed” pistons provide a compression ratio increase to 12.5:1 for further thermodynamic efficiency improvement.
 
The front cover and front accessory drive system were re-engineered due to the elimination of the alternator and power steering pump, which is common to most hybrid engines.
 
Friction reduction improvements, along with ignition and fuel injection improvements found on the upgraded Pentastar V-6 are all part of the specially adapted hybrid Pentastar engine, while two-step valve lift and cooled exhaust gas recirculation have been removed with the addition of the Atkinson cycle combustion system.
 
Because Pacifica Hybrid owners could feasibly drive for weeks or months using just the battery power, the Pacifica Hybrid constantly monitors the average age of fuel in the tank. If needed, the Pacifica Hybrid will automatically shift from electric to hybrid mode to cycle through any fuel that is more than 90 days old, eliminating the need to add a fuel stabilizer – meaning customers have one less thing to think about.
 
Recharging
The Pacifica Hybrid’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, manufactured by LG Chem in Holland, Michigan, is stored efficiently under the second-row floor, keeping the rear cargo area as roomy as ever and preserving the third-row Stow ‘n Go seating and storage, plus room for seven passengers.
 
The exterior charge port is located on the driver’s side fender for quick and easy plug in after exiting the vehicle. On the inside, a charging indicator light is located on the instrument panel so owners can easily monitor the battery charge process from afar.
 
The battery pack, covered by up to a 10-year/150,000-mile transferable warranty, may be fully recharged via the 6.6-kWh on-board charger in as little as two hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger, available from Mopar through dealers. With a 120-volt (Level 1) charger, which comes standard with the vehicle, the Pacifica Hybrid can be fully recharged in approximately 14 hours. Charging times can be scheduled by the customer for optimal electricity usage, taking advantage of off-peak rates. Level 3 chargers and “superchargers” cannot be used to charge the Pacifica Hybrid.
 
Regenerative braking
Taking advantage whenever the driver slows, the Pacifica Hybrid’s fully blended regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy to electricity, helping to provide additional electric range by charging the lithium-ion battery. As the Pacifica Hybrid decelerates from a higher speed, the high-voltage motor becomes a generator and charges the battery to extend the electric range. Provided that the driver is not in an emergency braking situation, the Pacifica Hybrid uses regenerative braking down to approximately 8 mph, at which point it switches over to traditional friction braking.
 
Tech support
The Pacifica Hybrid’s technological capability goes well beyond its innovative powertrain. Features like the all-new Hybrid Electric Pages, Uconnect Access smartphone app and hybrid-exclusive cluster display make it easy for customers to make the most of their Pacifica Hybrid.
 
Hybrid Electric Pages
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes standard with the Uconnect 8.4 system, which includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen, available navigation and integrated voice command. In addition, the Pacifica Hybrid includes the all-new Hybrid Electric Pages, providing owners with helpful vehicle information. The Hybrid Electric Pages include:

• Power Flow: Provides a dynamic illustration showing how/where power is flowing within the Pacifica Hybrid, 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 owner to schedule the Pacifica Hybrid’s charging times (making the most of off-peak electrical rates) and provides an option to override set times to charge immediately

Uconnect Access app
The Uconnect Access smartphone app for the Pacifica Hybrid delivers remote access to the vehicle’s sophisticated technology, enabling customers to get the most from their ownership experience and making life simpler along the way. Owners can use the app to check the state of charge of their vehicle’s battery, along with vehicle range and estimated time to full recharge. They can also set the charging schedule for the Pacifica Hybrid, receive charge status updates and locate charging stations.
 
Hybrid-specific cluster display
The Pacifica Hybrid’s unique 7-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster delivers important information at a glance for the driver. The cluster’s 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. An “efficiency coach” display guides owners to drive more efficiently and maximize the time spent in battery mode.
 
Rotary dial e-shift
Unlike any in its minivan competitive set, all 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid models are equipped with an e-shift rotary dial shifter located on the integrated center console that electronically actuates shift selection. 
 
Also known as Electronic Transmission Range Selection (ETRS), e-shift applications are commonly found across the luxury vehicle segment and viewed as a “price of entry” feature by many luxury buyers.
 
The e-shift system replaces traditional shift cables and levers with sophisticated software and electronics. The simple dial shift interface – a dramatic departure from standard mechanical shift systems – brings feel, effort and operation created to compete with best-in-class performance.
 
The e-shift system also enables more packaging and design flexibility when compared to mechanical shift systems.
 
Customer benefits include:

• Technologically Advanced — The e-shift is a forward-thinking innovation; a premium, sophisticated feature that demonstrates progressiveness
• Attractive Design — The compact design of the e-shift dial shifter enables more appealing interior styling and design cues (when compared to a traditional shifter)
• Space Savings — The elimination of cables and mechanical components frees up valuable real estate on and underneath the center console for enhanced storage opportunities
• Quiet Cabin — Removal of the mechanical connection between the shift lever and gearbox reduces noise paths into the cabin
• Uncommon Tactility & Simplicity — The shifting task becomes more a “turn/touch” function than “slot-shift” exercise. Shifting to Drive (D), Park (P) or Reverse (R) is essentially a turn of the dial and nothing more

Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, and advanced innovation and technology since the company was founded in 1925. Chrysler continues to build on that nearly 100-year legacy of creating ingenious products and technologies for mainstream customers, moving forward on an electrified transformation that will launch the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle in 2026.  
   
The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan, a segment Chrysler created 40 years ago. The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid symbolizes the brand’s electrification evolution, representing the first electrified minivan in the segment and achieving 82 MPGe, an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles. Chrysler Pacifica delivers the most standard safety features and most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class and is also the most awarded minivan over the last seven years with more than 175 honors and industry accolades since its introduction as a minivan. Chrysler Voyager rejoins the lineup in 2025 as a budget-friendly minivan option.

Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

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