[snorth]

This is an interesting video with interviews of the FCA chief engineers who worked on the hybrid Pacifica. Worth the time:

 

[volt779]

Thanks for posting.






FCA should think about offering a "Current EV owner/lessee rebate" to Volt, Leaf, Energi, Tesla, i3, Prius owners, etc. Many EV owners have been waiting for a true 7 passenger vehicle like the Pacifica Hybrid and such a program, even if only $500/$1000, could really build interest and jump start sales. Moreover, like the Volt for GM/Chevrolet, the Pacifica Hybrid could be the best conquest tool Chrysler has had in years.

 

[488civ10]

Chief Engineer: "We looked at the minivan customer, that's a very hectic life... their lives are complicated, they're busy, they're running all the time, so we wanted to make it as seamless to the customer as possible... so what we did is, that's the approach we took" by deleting homelink, memory seats, power fold mirrors, power 3rd row stow n' go etc. on their loaded hybrid model. Would be laughing harder if it wasn't so dumb.

 

[488civ10]

"Our customer research also told us that the hybrid customer wants to be in electric mode as long as possible, and they want a coach, an onboard coach, to kind of help them be the most efficient they can be."

Oh, but I thought minivan customers lead a hectic life??? Yeah surely mom is gonna be looking to her onboard coach to optimize every last unit of energy while jr. is late for school. I'm done now. Laughing.

Jean is partially right, EVs are super fast and super smooth and it's a premium vehicle. No compromises? Wrong.

 

[generaltso]

It concerns me a little that the ladies weren't able to get it to spend significant time in full EV mode.

 

[mainesail]

Chief Engineer: "We looked at the minivan customer, that's a very hectic life... their lives are complicated, they're busy, they're running all the time, so we wanted to make it as seamless to the customer as possible... so what we did is, that's the approach we took" by deleting homelink, memory seats, power fold mirrors, power 3rd row stow n' go etc. on their loaded hybrid model. Would be laughing harder if it wasn't so dumb.

You definitely have a future in comedy writing!

 

[telecam]

It concerns me a little that the ladies weren't able to get it to spend significant time in full EV mode.

Yes, took note of that.... I think that If you are in a hilly terrain and are not careful with your driving, the engine will kick in here and there and you may end up scoring more 50 to 70 MPG range than the 80MPG pure electric mode. But I think all electric mode is easy to achieve if you live on flat land (Florida) and drive gently. Looks like an invitation to Pacifica PHEV smooth driver contest...

 

[snorth]

Yes, I got the impression that they have very heavy lead foots, and like to push the power band. Probably a lot of jack rabbit starts from stop lights and such.

Anton's experience is probably more typical, where 94% of his driving was EV only before the battery exhausted.

 

[telecam]

Yet, that threw a bit of a chill in the discussion...

 

[488civ10]

It concerns me a little that the ladies weren't able to get it to spend significant time in full EV mode.