Dodge Caliber PHEV-40 Concept

[xcel]

Unlike yesterday’s H3 release, the compact powered by a UQM® System and Generator makes sense.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 14, 2009

2009 Dodge Caliber PHEV-40 - 1.0L ICE, 75 kWh generator and 20kWh Li-Ion pack.

Frederick, CO. -- UQM Technologies, a developer of alternative energy technologies, announced an intent to reveal a Dodge Caliber-based PHEV-40 concept at the 2009 SAE World Congress next week. The PHEV was developed by FEV to demonstrate the company’s hybrid engineering.

Vehicle Propulsion Details

The PHEV propulsion system employs a 1.0L, 3-cylinder, 4-valve engine that is mated to a UQM® PowerPhase® 75 generator that provides 41kW of continuous power in extended-range mode, with a peak power of 75kW. The energy storage system consists of a 20 kWh, liquid-cooled Li-Ion battery pack that operates at 346V and a Delphi DC/DC converter. A UQM® PowerPhase®125 traction motor powers the wheels.

Performance stats

• AER (All-Electric Range) of 40 miles
• 0 - 60 mph time – 8.3 seconds
• Top Speed – 84 mph

“We are pleased that FEV has selected a UQM® propulsion system and generator for this concept vehicle. FEV and other vehicle integrators will play a substantial role in the development and commercialization of electric and hybrid electric vehicles for vehicle manufacturers worldwide over the coming years and we are looking forward to continuing to work with FEV on future vehicle platforms,” said William G. Rankin, UQM Technologies’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

[JusBringIt]

I always thought the Caliber was ugly, but it's not looking too bad now...all it needs is the headlight/grille makeover and it would be an option. As long as I can get it with what's listed above in the drivetrain that is.

[PaleMelanesian]

How much does it cost to get enough battery capacity in that thing? Its competitors are tweaked and refined for efficiency, and batteries are still a limiting factor. How much worse is it in this, with no optimizing?

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Comparing pack size for the same distance is educational. The Volt is spec'd for a 16kWh pack. Of that, only 8kWh is actually used for propulsion -- the rest is used as a buffer and guard against damage due to DoD (Depth of Discharge). We don't know how this vehicle uses its 20kWh pack, but assuming a similar pattern wouldn't be unreasonable.

[xcel]

Hi Andrew:

___22 kWh Li-Ion pack, $15K at a minimum and that is in quantity... Let alone the Caliber, the Inverter/Transverter, Electric Motor, new ICE and Controllers.

___If I did not know better, I would say it was a press release from Chrysler's own ENVI unit

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[Chuck]

Similar thoughts as the H3 EV - the vehicle's body is not the optimum for an EV, but Chrysler threw all their bets on guzzlers and they are doing good to have a budget to do concept vehicles at all.

[mdensch@charter.net]

Originally Posted by JusBringIt

I always thought the Caliber was ugly, but it's not looking too bad now...all it needs is the headlight/grille makeover and it would be an option. As long as I can get it with what's listed above in the drivetrain that is.

Even with an EV option, the car will still be ugly but at least it might make a little more sense. If they can scrape together the money to do so, they need to completely restyle this dog.

[JusBringIt]

Originally Posted by mdensch@charter.net

Even with an EV option, the car will still be ugly but at least it might make a little more sense. If they can scrape together the money to do so, they need to completely restyle this dog.

I was saying ugly in the sense of "unattractive," however they did a restyling that worked well on some models, not so well on others. This "Dog" however, needs a makeover...badly.

[Blackbelt]

Styling is subjective. I love the styling of the Caliber so much i bought one. On the other hand, i think the Fit and Accord are almost as ugly as an aztec.
As they say, different strokes.....
The 0-60 times of that car are rather speedy, certainly faster than any other Caliber(except the SRT4). Wonder if they could extend the range if they had it cranking out a little less performance. A 0-60 time of 10-12 seconds is more than sufficient.

[JusBringIt]

Originally Posted by Blackbelt

Styling is subjective. I love the styling of the Caliber so much i bought one. On the other hand, i think the Fit and Accord are almost as ugly as an aztec.
As they say, different strokes.....

Boy you are a first . No seriously, you are the only one I've ever met who likes the styling of the caliber fascia...now if it had taken some styling cues from the dodge demon...