Chrysler LLC has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in order to test run a string of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Based on the Ram 1500 pickup, a total of 10 vehicles will be added to MBTA’s fleet so that city driving using a PHEV can be evaluated. The trucks will be used for the next three years and are only a part of a fleet. Chrysler mentioned that there are no plans for a production version of the PHEV Ram: for now.
“Cities have been carefully selected to help the Chrysler Group LLC collect a wide range of data,” explained Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of Chrysler’s advanced hybrid vehicle project. “Boston offers heavy traffic and urban driving that are ideal city test cycles. The constant charging will allow us to measure the impact on battery life and charging efficiency.”
Powering the trucks are a liquid-cooled 12.9kWhr lithium ion battery with a 6.6 kilowatt charger built on-board. Regenerative braking is featured as well as “Fuel Saver” technology that can boost driving range such as a 5.7 liter Hemi V8. Connected is a two-mode hybrid transmission that allows for strictly electric drive.
“We are underway with a three-year educational opportunity to better understand the benefits of advanced technology and the importance of supporting smart energy saving investments,” said MBTA acting general manager, Jon Davis.
Source: Dodge
