[A/S] Dodge hybrid

["Richard Dorsten" <richarddorsten@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

DaimlerChrysler has developed a hybrid-electric version of its
workhorse Dodge Ram pickup that is cleaner and more fuel efficient,
while providing enough clean auxiliary power to run a household.

On the road, this all-new hybrid vehicle achieves 15 percent better
fuel efficiency, lower emissions and better performance than the
comparably-powered conventional Ram. Off the road, the vehicle can
be converted to a stationary electrical generator to deliver up to
20 kW of power for work, recreation or home uses. The vehicle's
gasoline engine is much cleaner than portable generators, which are
not controlled by any emissions regulations.

"We dubbed this vehicle the 'Contractor Special' because it is
perfect for construction site work, but we believe the vehicle will
also appeal to campers and outdoor enthusiasts, to farmers who have
to work on remote sites, and to homeowners who need to keep their
households running in the case of a power failure," said Bernard I.
Robertson, Senior Vice President – Engineering Technologies and
General Manager - Truck Operations for DaimlerChrysler.

"In addition to doubling as a portable generator, the Dodge Ram
Contractor Special delivers double the environmental benefits,"
Robertson added. "It is cleaner than any conventional pickup on the
road, and cleaner than current generator technology off the road."

The Contractor Special package is intended for the Ram 1500 and 2500
models, in both the two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions.
Gas-electric and diesel-electric powertrains are available,
depending on the choice of engine. The vehicles can be operated in
gasoline/diesel-only and electric-only modes, as well as the hybrid
configuration. Production is targeted for calendar year 2004.

The Contractor Specials are anticipated to cost about $5,000 more
than the conventional Ram – a cost-effective package since
comparable portable generator capacity would typically cost $10,000
to $15,000. The clean electrical generator will add about 250-300
pounds to the vehicle's weight, compared with 2,500 pounds or more
for a portable generator. The Contractor Special generator is
accessed through electrical sockets in a pull-down box behind the
rear fender.

The generator on the Contractor Special will be much cleaner than
conventional portable generators, because it will be powered by the
vehicle's clean hybrid powertrain. Currently, the Ram can be
equipped with 3.9, 5.2 and 5.9 liter gasoline engines and a 5.9
diesel engine. A 8.0 liter, V-10 is also available.

The hybrid powertrain, with electric motor assist, permits use of a
smaller internal combustion engine, thus lowering emissions and
increasing fuel efficiency compared with a comparably-powered
conventional Ram. The hybrid versions outperform their comparably
powered conventional counterparts; for example, the 5.2 liter gas-
electric motor hybrid can do 0-60 mph in 10.0 seconds and achieves
fuel efficiency of 18 mpg vs. 10.6 seconds 0-60 mph and 16 mpg for
the 5.9 liter gas-powered pickups. And because a smaller
displacement internal combustion engine is used, emissions are lower.


Partner Websites: audiworld.com
genvibe.com
scionzone.com

Email this page to a Friend

Copyright 1995-2004 PickupTruck.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved