2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Ever dreamed of a minivan equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain? Chrysler makes the fantasy a reality with the new 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, which is designed to travel up to 30 miles on electricity before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation.
Changes for 2017
Pacifica is the minivan formerly known as Town & Country
Completely redesigned for the 2017 model year
Hybrid model is new, features a plug-in hybrid powertrain Up to 30 miles of electric driving range Estimated to get 80 MPGe in combined driving Still seats up to eight passengers Loses Stow ‘n Go second-row seats
2017 Pacifica Hybrid highlights
Chrysler offers the new Pacifica Hybrid in Touring and Limited trim. It is just like the standard Chrysler Pacifica, with a handful of exceptions.
First, the second-row seats do not feature a Stow ‘n Go function. In a standard Pacifica, they would collapse into bins located beneath the van’s floor. In the Pacifica Hybrid, this area is used for the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Second, the Pacifica Hybrid looks a little different from other Pacifica models. It has a unique grille treatment. It has a charging port located on the front left fender. It has more aerodynamic aluminum wheels. And it is available in an exclusive Teal Pearl Coat paint color, seen in the representative image above.
Third, and most important, it has a unique powertrain. An Atkinson-cycle 3.6-liter V6 engine is paired with an electrically variable transmission (EVT) that is equipped with two electric motors. When used as an electric vehicle, the EVT draws power from the battery and when the Pacifica Hybrid decelerates the V6 engine is used as an electrical generator to help extend driving range. An Efficiency Coach system is also aboard the Pacifica Hybrid, designed to help the driver maximize range.
When the battery reaches its minimum state of charge, the Pacifica Hybrid operates just like other hybrid vehicles. The gasoline engine and the EVT work together to accelerate the van, and a regenerative braking system captures the kinetic energy otherwise lost to braking and feeds it to the battery. According to Chrysler, the Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain generates a total of 248 horsepower, can travel up to 30 miles using nothing but the electricity stored in the battery, and gets 80 MPGe on a trip that uses the full battery charge and a full tank of gas. Recharging the battery takes two hours when using a 240-volt home charging station. Plug the van into a standard household outlet, and it takes about three times as long to top off the battery. Minor trim level equipment differences exist between the Pacifica Hybrid and a standard Pacifica. Otherwise, the two models are essentially identical, each able to seat up to eight people, and each offering an impressive range of convenience, infotainment and safety technologies.