Complain about a product or service

Chrysler Begins Production on Electric Car

New plug-in hybrid versions of conventional vehicles coming soon

September 23, 2008

Electric Cars • Chevy Volt Gets a Jolt with Mixed Review • Chrysler Begins Production on Electric Car • GM Unveils Chevy Volt • 33,000 Sign Up for Battery-Powered Car • GM, Power Companies Study Plug-In Problems • Utility Preps for Electric Cars • GM Boss Promises Plug-in Hybrid • GM Plans New Plug-In Hybrid • Toyota Looks at Plug-in Hybrid • Ford May Build a Plug-In Hybrid • GM Crushes Electric Car Hopes --- • Gas-Electric Hybrids • More Automotive News...

Chrysler says its new Hybrid Electric Vehicles began rolling off the assembly line this week at its Newark, Delaware) assembly plant. The carmaker is offering the two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen.

"The implementation of this new manufacturing process was done intelligently, with both quality and cost in mind." said Joe Ozdowy, Plant Manager of Newark Assembly. "I'd like to congratulate and thank the team for their dedication while bringing these important new products to market to help satisfy the changing needs of our Dodge and Chrysler customers."

The production of early pilot vehicles was done on the plant's assembly line which helped to root out anomalies early in the pre-production process, helping to ensure a higher quality launch, Chrysler said.

Production of vehicles with the hybrid powertrain differs in several ways from production of those with conventional powertrains. The carmaker says new processes were implemented to accommodate HEV production, including a unique powertrain assembly process, and ergonomic-assist systems to aid in new functions, such as HEV battery installation.

There are several unique components associated with HEV production that are installed at the plant, including:

• 300-volt battery

• Two-mode transmission

• Torque power inverter module (TPIM)

• Electric air conditioning

• Auxiliary power module

• High-voltage cables (AC and DC)

• Hydro-electric power steering pump

• Hybrid gate way module

• Cooling module

Chrysler President Tom LaSorda says the plug-in hybrids will be used in test fleets next year. A model of the new car will be sold in Europe after 2010. The technology differs from current hybrids in that the car is powered solely by electricity, with a fuel-burning engine recharging the batteries while the car is underway.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top |