DC Press release:

Dodge Ram Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Goes Into Production

Auburn Hills, Mich., Dec 13, 2004 - DaimlerChrysler has begun production of the Dodge Ram Diesel HEV. The Ram HEV has start-stop capability, which shuts the engine off at full stop and restarts when the accelerator is pressed. A regenerative braking system helps recharge the batteries. The savings on fuel is up to 15 percent over comparable engines. The Ram HEV will be available to fleet customers.

The Dodge Ram Diesel HEV is built on the Ram Heavy Duty (2500/3500) chassis and is equipped with diesel/electric hybrid propulsion. Diesel works well as a hybrid because there is fuel economy savings with a diesel compared to a similar gasoline engine. And, in the case of our 325hp/600 lb-ft Cummins Turbo Diesel, there isn't a comparable gasoline or diesel engine.

Improved fuel economy and lower emissions are reasons that customers choose hybrids, but the Ram HEV offers another benefit. The truck can operate as an electric generator, providing 110/220-volt AC power, which would be useful on job sites, for recreational use and for use during emergency power outages. In fact, it can provide enough electricity to power four average households.

In short, the Dodge Ram HEV is unique because it combines diesel and electric for propulsion, and it can provide electric power for on-site utility. Joining the Ram HEV are multiple Orion hybrid buses that are already in use. DaimlerChrysler also has plans to market other hybrids, including the new hybrid Sprinter van in early 2005.

Hybrid vehicles offer fuel savings by using an electric motor and supplemental batteries to assist the engine in accelerating the vehicle. Further efficiencies are created by a regenerative braking system. Hybrid vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels and fuel cell systems.

...shuts the engine off at full stop and restarts when the accelerator is pressed.

Hope they build good starters. That constant stop and shut-off would add quite a wear factor to the starting system. Then there is the issue of the turbo bearings getting robbed of their oil supply with a hot shut-down. They should just let it idle long enough to avoid 'wash-down'.

Bet that sucker is expensive and heavy. Class 2 on all toll roads?

Thanks for the info. Hoot

I herd it was ajoint effort with GM? Seriously, no joke.

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Hope they build good starters. That constant stop and shut-off would add quite a wear factor to the starting system. Then there is the issue of the turbo bearings getting robbed of their oil supply with a hot shut-down. They should just let it idle long enough to avoid 'wash-down'.

Bet that sucker is expensive and heavy. Class 2 on all toll roads?

Thanks for the info. Hoot


The big pancake starter/alternator eliminates the starter. It's mounted behind the engine between the trans and the back of the engine. It's the starter of all starters. I believe it's a 5000 watt unit. That makes one heck of a starter. That's also what generates the 110 v for aux power.

Bet it will be a while before Edge comes out with a box for this one.

Jim

yeah, I bet its going to work as good at the ill fated Cadillac 4-6-8 concept in the 80's.. What a pile that thing was.

Start-stop-start-stop-start? That will be a ball to drive on the 101 during rush hour...