Consumer

The EPA was approached by Chrysler and the two are working on utilizing HHV technology in minivans. The HHV is currently being used in heavy-duty vehicles like delivery trucks and because of their size, Chrysler's minivans are a perfect choice for this research and development project. The project's timeline has the design and build completed by November of 2011 and evaluation to be completed in July 2012.The overall goals include raising the combined fuel economy by 30-35%, and city fuel economy alone by up to 60%. HHVs have two major advantages. These include the possibility of faster payback because of lower cost for production and a higher regenerative braking efficiency than in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. The Chrysler Group is funding the majority of the project and the EPA is funding $2 million in the project. EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Gina McCarthy has stated that the EPA's work on the project will take place at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Lab located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne had many important points.
-"Green technology development is an appropriate area for collaboration between government and the private sector. To re-change the game, we need to share a vision and work together to overcome the obstacles to reducing automotive emissions and fuel consumption."

-"The project reflects the Chrysler Group's aggressive quest for sustainable mobility."

-"The environmental improvements per dollar spent are disproportionate in the area of electrics versus efforts to improve traditional powertrains and eventually couple them with some type of hybrid solution. We're still seeing many opportunities to increase the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines as we look to deliver the best value for the ultimate customer."

-"Chrysler's alliance Fiat is one indication of our commitment to go green. Fiat is recognized as the most eco-performing automaker in Europe today, with the lowest CO2 emissions of any major automaker."

-"One of the keys for government being able to drive improved fuel efficiency technologies in the private sector is if it remains "technology-neutral"."





References/Sources
Chrystler info

Announcement Photo

Minivan Photo