Special Report: Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) achieve significant gains in fuel efficiency by combining powertrain systems, typically an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Batteries store energy captured during deceleration and braking -- that energy is then used to drive the electric motor, reducing the work required by the gasoline or diesel engine.

Together with GM, DaimlerChrysler is collaborating to jointly develop a future generation of hybrid powertrain, which will offer significantly more customer benefit than any currently offered. The companies plan to work together to develop a two-mode full hybrid propulsion architecture for applications in GM, Chrysler Group and Mercedes Car Group vehicles. Variants planned include rear- and front-wheel-drive versions for cars, trucks and other vehicles. This technology is expected to improve acceleration performance while also improving vehicle fuel economy and range significantly.

The Chrysler Group currently produces the Dodge Ram HEV, which uses an integrated starter-alternator hybrid system to supplement a Cummins 5.9-liter turbodiesel engine. This system shuts down the diesel engine at stops, and uses the electric motor to assist the diesel on acceleration. The Ram HEV also converts to a stationary electric generator when parked, providing a clean source of electric power to users, such as contractors, farmers and recreational users.