If you could have an green and efficient vehicle that still had the same power and price point as your favorite new Chrysler model, you'd choose that over its gas-powered counterparts, wouldn't you? Creating affordable and efficient electric and hybrid powertrains is the goal of a new Chrysler Group project, and it will explore six specific aspects of vehicle electrification: electrified powertrain architecture, power electronics, electric machines, motor control, energy management systems, and embedded software.
To the average driver, these terms may not mean much, but essentially, the automaker is taking a dynamic approach to solving the problem of the affordable and reliable electric powertrain.
The Chrysler Group has partnered up with McMaster University and the Canadian government to accomplish this goal. The car company provided $9.25 million of the funding for the project, while the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada kicked in an additional $8.93 million. The work will be performed by a team of engineers made up of both the automaker's Global Electrified Powertrain Group and research engineers from the university.
If you're wondering, 'why now?,' allow Bob Lee, Chrysler Group Vice President and Head of Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering, to explain. He says, "Legislative pressure and socioeconomic forces are compelling the auto industry to deliver unparalleled technological advancement at an unprecedented rate. This project harnesses the kind of intellectual capital and collaboration required to respond to such challenges. The result – superior technology developed from efficient new processes."1
We're thrilled to see the automaker and the Canadian government display such a commitment to the development of alternative powertrains, and we can't wait to see what will arrive here at Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep in the next few years. If you have any questions about the efficiency of our inventory, don't hesitate to contact our Fayetteville, AR dealership during regular business hours.
Source: 1 http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=90284275EF69932C805174A027924FFB?&id=15016&mid=1