Chrysler has unveiled a plastic-bodied, electric-diesel hybrid vehicle that is capable of getting 70 miles per gallon while reducing emissions by half. If the car maker can overcome technical and cost hurdles, high-volume production of the sleek sedan could begin by 2003 or earlier, company officials said. The car, dubbed the Dodge Intrepid ESX2, comes in the face of increased "green" marketing by car manufacturers, as well as growing government pressure to build cleaner cars.
Chrysler's prototype combines advanced plastic body panels with a direct-injection diesel engine and small lead-acid battery pack that work together to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Chrysler officials, however, said today's diesel engines are five times cleaner than those used 20 years ago. Diesel engines are also more efficient, utilising 41 per cent of the fuel's energy, compared to about 25 per cent for gasoline.
The biggest hurdle in bringing the vehicle to market will be reducing its cost. The company said the hybrid Intrepid would cost $15,000 more than the gas-powered model now in showrooms. But just two years ago, a similar advanced prototype cost $60,000 more.
The ESX2 weighs 35 per cent less than today's mid-size cars because it has an aluminum frame and six plastic body panels. It can be built on assembly lines that need just onethird the investment, half the manpower and a fifth the floor space of today's factories.
Whereas most other electric hybrids utilise a large battery pack as a main power source, the ESX2 only uses a lighter and smaller battery to operate the accessories and give a power boost for passing.
