Chrysler's Publicly-Funded Hydraulic Hybrid

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

When Chrysler let slip at the Detroit Auto Show that it would be offering a hybrid version of its 300 sedan by 2013, we automatically assumed that the Pentastar was going back to its Hemi-based Two-Mode V8 hybrid system, jointly developed by GM, Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes. Not so, it turns out. That billion-dollar drivetrain has been relegated to poor-selling hybrid SUVs, and it’s already being considered a dead-end by at least the German firms who helped develop it. Instead, it seems that Chrysler has gone to the government for a hybrid system, and will adapt a hydraulic hybrid system developed by the EPA.



According to a ChryslerEPA press release

The hydraulic hybrid system, developed by the EPA’s lab in Ann Arbor, is well known and currently used in industrial applications, including large delivery trucks and refuse trucks across the country. The technology has shown substantial increases in fuel economy when compared with traditional powertrains in the same type of vehicles. Working together, both parties hope to reduce the size and complexity of the hybrid system and produce a technology that is sensitive to the needs of drivers for smooth and quiet operation.

The research project will focus on adapting the hydraulic hybrid system to a Chrysler Town & Country minivan equipped with a 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. Components of the hydraulic hybrid system include a 117 cc engine pump, a 45 cc drive electric motor and a two-speed automatic transmission. Fluid for the system will be stored in a 14.4-gallon high pressure accumulator.

The system produces power with engine torque driving a hydraulic pump that charges the high pressure accumulator of up to 5,000 p.s.i. The high-pressure accumulator delivers the pressure energy to the axle hydraulic motor, giving the vehicle power to drive the wheels. The gas engine will remain off if the accumulator charge is sufficient to drive the motor.

The government may have failed to secure a meaningful green car commitment from Fiat when the Italian firm took Chrysler over, but by giving Chrysler access to its hydraulic hybrid technology, it may yet be able to generate some green headlines for America’s least-fuel-efficient automaker. And if $10m+ per-year EPA programs exist for anything, it’s surely to justify the green promises associated with the bailout. And, apparently, keeping Chrysler’s “World Engine” series somehow viable in the market.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Scoutdude Scoutdude on Jan 20, 2011

    There is a lot of revisionist history going on here. The "two-mode" Hybrid system is based on Toyota patents. The original Hydraulic Launch Assist system was developed by Eaton and Ford, not the EPA. In that system as designed for use on MD trucks places the hydraulic pump in the center of a multi-piece driveshaft. and there is no pressure in the storage tank, just a normal vented storage tank. So while it doesn't allow for engine off acceleration but is more efficient at cruising.

  • LXbuilder LXbuilder on Jan 20, 2011

    "Two-Mode V8 hybrid system, jointly developed by GM, Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes. Not so, it turns out. That billion-dollar drivetrain has been relegated to poor-selling hybrid SUVs, and it’s already being considered a dead-end by at least the German firms who helped develop it." Chrysler gave up on this useless POS Teutonic system a couple of years back before bankruptcy even. Seem to remember they weren't selling anyway. Is anyone using them now?

  • EBFlex China can F right off.
  • MrIcky And tbh, this is why I don't mind a little subsidization of our battery industry. If the American or at least free trade companies don't get some sort of good start, they'll never be able to float long enough to become competitive.
  • SCE to AUX Does the WTO have any teeth? Seems like countries just flail it at each other like a soft rubber stick for internal political purposes.
  • Peter You know we’ve entered the age of self driving vehicles When KIAs go from being stolen to rolling away by themselves.
  • Analoggrotto TTAC is full of drug addicts with short memories. Just beside this article is another very beautiful article about how the EV9 was internationally voted by a renowned board of automotive experts who are no doubt highly educated, wealthy and affluent; the best vehicle in entire world. That's planet earth for you numbskulls. Let me repeat: the best vehicle in the world is the Kia EV9. Voted, and sealed, and if you try to deny it Fanny Willis is ready to prosecute you; but she will send her boyfriend instead because she is busy.
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