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DaimlerChrysler Demonstrates Hybrid Technology In Popular
Jeep® Liberty SUV
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Washington
D.C. - DaimlerChrysler today showed a hybrid electric version
of its popular sport-utility vehicle, the Jeep® Liberty, demonstrating
the adaptability of the company's patented Through-the-Road (TTR)
hybrid system.
The
Liberty HEV achieves a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency
compared with a conventional six-cylinder Liberty, without sacrificing
the vehicle's utility, comfort or performance.
"The
Liberty HEV demonstrates how our TTR hybrid system can be adapted
to many different types of vehicles," said Larry Oswald, Vice
President and head of DaimlerChrysler's Hybrid and Electric Vehicle
Product team.
"The
TTR can be installed in vehicles of different styles and sizes,
with front- or rear-wheel drive," Oswald said. "This gives
us great flexibility as we continue to explore new applications
for environmentally-friendly hybrid technology."
The Liberty HEV is equipped with a 2.4 liter I4 gasoline engine
that drives the rear wheels. A 40 kW nickel metal hydride battery
and an electric motor provide additional power to the front wheels
when needed for acceleration. Because the electric motor provides
additional power when needed, a smaller internal combustion gas
engine can be used, resulting in increased fuel efficiency.
Fuel
efficiency is further enhanced by regenerative braking in which
energy normally lost as heat during deceleration and braking is
captured to recharge the battery.
The
system is called TTR (Through-the-Road) because there is no physical
connection between the front and rear axles or the engine and motor.
The two are controlled and coordinated by computer, responding to
changes the vehicle's traction coupled through the road.
The
vehicle's 0-60 mph performance is comparable to the conventional
six-cylinder Liberty. The hybrid powertrain adds about 350 pounds
to the weight of the vehicle, but does not intrude on passenger
or cargo space. The hybrid powertrain provides four-wheel-drive
capability.
In
November 1999, DaimlerChrysler unveiled its first vehicle with the
TTR hybrid powertrain, the Dodge Durango HEV. DaimlerChrysler will
market its first TTR vehicles in 2003.
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