"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
03/05/2018 at 08:47 • Filed to: minivan, chrysler, dodge, electric, Electric Vehicles
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"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
03/05/2018 at 08:47 • Filed to: minivan, chrysler, dodge, electric, Electric Vehicles | 6
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Chrysler made electric minivans that were actually pretty advanced for their time. This thing even has a skateboard layout (that is, battery nestled between the front and rear subframe), which maximizes battery capacity.
As far as I can tell, the battery options were a 324 volt lead-acid battery (unsure on capacity), or a 336 volt, 93 Ah (31.25 kWh) NiMH battery. Range was claimed at 120 miles.
And, with a 100 hp motor... OK, that’s quite modest, but considering that they sold these things with 150 hp gassers through 3-speed slushboxes? And, it could do 80 if you asked it to.
There was a previous generation, the TEVan, too, based on the second-gen minivans. Looks like a 180 V, 200 Ah (36 kWh) NiFe or 180 V, 180 Ah (32.4 kWh) NiCd battery depending on year. Range was claimed at 80 miles.
With a 70 mph top speed, and 65 hp, it wasn’t winning any speed records, but then again, this was 1993 .
Wobbles the Mind
> bhtooefr
03/05/2018 at 08:59 |
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When Chrysler is left to itself (meaning no shared components or compromises with whomever owns them at the time), they build some of the most innovative and forward thinking products in the industry.
Chrysler Group is pretty much the opposite of the brand perceptions that others project on to them. Check out ENVI some time.
someassemblyrequired
> bhtooefr
03/05/2018 at 09:03 |
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Tesla should watch and note the obvious and easily utilized main disconnect switch.
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bhtooefr
> Wobbles the Mind
03/05/2018 at 09:04 |
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For that matter, even though ENVI was officially disbanded, what’s left of it did the Fiat 500e and the Pacifica Hybrid, as I understand.
Despite being one of the most naked attempts at a compliance car ever, the 500e is oddly well-engineered from everything I’ve seen - except for the lack of DC fast charging, it makes the Nissan LEAF, which by all accounts was a serious attempt at making an EV, look like an amateur project.
The Pacifica Hybrid, from everything I’ve heard, is quite excellent, to the point of (except for losing second-row Stow ‘n Go - but that means you get a damn comfortable second row instead) being better than the regular gasoline van in many ways.
random001
> bhtooefr
03/05/2018 at 09:06 |
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Yeah, well, let’s see if those bastards can do 90!
Ash78, voting early and often
> bhtooefr
03/05/2018 at 09:08 |
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Yeah, I love that the biggest complaint in the reviews of the Pacifica hybrid is losing Stow n Go, something the competition doesn’t even have :)
I’m seriously considering one for our next family car. Our 2015 Odyssey struggles to break 17mpg in mixed driving, and my wife’s daily grind would be mostly under electric power if we had a Pacifica. Her parking spot in the garage is 10’ from a 220v outlet. I think it’s a sign.
I’m still just wary of FCA and the reliability stuff, but maybe in a couple more years.
Long-Voyager
> Ash78, voting early and often
03/05/2018 at 16:22 |
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Take care of it, it will take care of you.
I would venture to guess a lot of Chrysler’s “issues” stem from people not taking proper care of them.
This was the case of their “trans issues”. Fluid/filter every 15-30k as they should be, they were excellent.
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Ash78, voting early and often
> Long-Voyager
03/05/2018 at 16:25 |
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Preaching to the choir — I’m a long term VW owner from all of their “horribly unreliable” days (almost none of which I experienced).
I think it’s more the hybrid complexity that scares me more than the FCA name.
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Long-Voyager
> Ash78, voting early and often
03/05/2018 at 17:06 |
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I can see that. Honestly, the non-hybrid Pacifica is supposed to be quite good for fuel economy.
We tested some vans for “extended” tests (had each one for a week, thanks to an in at a local dealer). The Pacifica was by far the quickest, most comfortable, and most efficient of the bunch.
Of the vans we tested I would rate them as follows:
1. Chrysler Pacifica
2. Dodge Grand Caravan GT
3. Toyota Sienna
4. Honda Odyssey
The Honda and Toyota vans both drove like yachts, while getting horrible mileage. The Grand Caravan GT felt significantly tighter than those two, while feeling quicker and returning a few mpg better. The Pacifica was slightly more “rolly” than the GT, but rode slightly smoother, was far quicker, and returned the best mileage. The GT was the easiest to see out of of all of them.
I’m waiting for Dodge to bring back the swb Caravan, I want something lighter/tighter, with better handling than anything offered by anyone currently. I’ve heard whispers of a Turbo Caravan return in a couple years, I’m holding out for that.
JustAnotherG6
> Ash78, voting early and often
05/11/2018 at 13:47 |
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Our ‘12 VW Routan (re-badged Dodge GC) is now over 70k and still running strong. Aside from a suspected ignition coil issue that VW couldn’t pin down a few years back we haven’t had an issue with it... Though I do miss the stow and go seats, they are a yuge convenience.
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Ash78, voting early and often
> JustAnotherG6
05/11/2018 at 14:23 |
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I love Stow and Go, but IMO for grown adults the VW seats are a lot better.
We seriously considered the Routan, but at the time my wife was mad at VW and wouldn’t accept “it’s not a VW” for an answer — since for warranty and repair purposes, it was still considered VW. And jt was advertising for them.