- In a new twist on the minivan, Chrysler and the EPA have hooked up on a research project that adapts a hydraulic hybrid system to a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The two plan to build about a dozen of the modified minivans for experimental purposes.
- Such hydraulic hybrid systems are typically found on garbage trucks.
- The technology has shown "substantial increases in fuel economy when compared with traditional powertrains," said Chrysler and the EPA in a joint statement.
ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Chrysler and the EPA are partnering on a new research project that adapts a hydraulic hybrid system — something typically found on garbage trucks — to a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The two plan to build about a dozen of the modified minivans for experimental purposes.
The technology has shown "substantial increases in fuel economy when compared with traditional powertrains," said Chrysler and the EPA in a joint statement. The two said they are exploring the possibilities for making the technology "affordable and accessible to drivers."
The research project will focus on adapting the hydraulic hybrid system to a Town & Country equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. Components of the hydraulic hybrid system include a 117cc engine pump, a 45cc drive electric motor and a two-speed automatic transmission. Fluid for the system will be stored in a 14.4-gallon high-pressure accumulator.
Chrysler is clearly worried about the noise generated by such a system and notes that any such setup must "meet driver expectations for smooth and quiet operations."
Industry-wide, the minivan has lagged behind other vehicles when it comes to alt-energy powertrains. Even the latest minivan concepts — such as the Kia KV7 unveiled earlier this month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show — have conventional engines and transmissions. The KV7, which hints at a future Korean minivan, is equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine.
The minivan generally suffers from mediocre fuel economy as well. The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country with a 3.3-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission returns 17 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The EPA Web site does not list 2011 Town & Country fuel economy numbers.
Inside Line says: The humble garbage truck may be the inspiration for a more fuel-efficient minivan. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
viss1 says:
02:00 PM, 01/23/2011
tazereli wrote:
"This system from what i have read is for more stop and go situations like what a garbage truck sees. rather thana constant speed situation. teh hydraulic pump would need to keep the system pressurized in order to drive the motors. i wonder about the long term durability given the pump driving constantly."
I would expect the pump to only run when the tank was less than 100% pressurized. As such, it would probably see less cycling than in a garbage truck or UPS van.
tdiluv says:
08:09 AM, 01/22/2011
Smaller size and weight will help also, wait a minute, they must know that !
kiiwii says:
09:57 PM, 01/21/2011
excellent idea to fit garbage truck equipments to a garbage van
lostboyz says:
03:19 AM, 01/21/2011
nice mis-representive article title. I guess every mediocre journalist compensates by trying to use humor.
ambee514 says:
03:17 AM, 01/21/2011
hmm i wonder if they are using a hybrid system simalr to those found in garbage trucks?
dvsuton12 says:
11:04 PM, 01/20/2011
Chrysler actually is getting this from United Parcel Service not garbage trucks.
But it wouldn't be Edmunds or Lienert without a negetive slant against the domestics.
tazereli says:
10:30 PM, 01/20/2011
This system from what i have read is for more stop and go situations like what a garbage truck sees. rather thana constant speed situation. teh hydraulic pump would need to keep the system pressurized in order to drive the motors. i wonder about the long term durability given the pump driving constantly.
isend2c says:
10:04 PM, 01/20/2011
@ crossfire, wow, way to be unpleasant.
That's a bizarre system... 2 speed auto? does it have two transmissions or what?
themandarin says:
07:40 PM, 01/20/2011
Simply buy a garbage truck. Done and done.
xorbe says:
05:23 PM, 01/20/2011
Wow, I've always wondered why nobody made a system like this, but it's already in use!