Dodge Hybrid W/ Cummins

[Des]

Check this one out ladies and gents. This is the gotta haveit for the contractors, farmers, and ranchers out there. This is the article from Saturday's San Antonio Express News. I want one!



http://news. mysanantonio.com/story. cfm?xla=saen&xlb=111&xlc=1094391



Just a small quote from the article:



"The Dodge Ram HEV, as it will be known, will go on sale in fall 2004 as the civilian version of a vehicle DaimlerChrysler developed jointly with the U. S. military known as the COMBATT HEV.



Offered in the 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty Ram series, the commercial version of this vehicle will get about 10 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline or diesel-powered heavy-duty pickup, DaimlerChrysler said in announcing the project this past week. "

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The article states the following: "Located between the 5. 9-liter Cummins diesel engine and the transmission, the Ram HEV's 35-kilowatt electric motor, which equates to about 47 horsepower, is designed to add torque to the output of the diesel engine, allowing it to work less to move the truck. "



1) As if the Cummins needs more torque... .



2) Did they 'salt-test' it? I can see a few New England winters rendering that big expensive generator useless in no time...



3) Things are going to get complicated in the driveline..... How will this affect OD units?



4) The mild upgrade in economy comes with a hefty pricetag... . not just initial cost, but in maintenance... .



5) Is it skid plated? Shame on them if it isn't... .



Stepping off soapbox... .



Matt

 

[Sticks]

I'll wait and see if it can tow a 5er through the mountains.

 

[DPelletier]

You guys are missing the point. the fuel economy and extra power aren't worth the cost and complexity, BUT if you need a large mobile generator for work, etc. , that is a completely different story.



Dave

 

[tractorface]

HUH?

"The electric motor, when turned by the vehicle's diesel engine, acts as a generator to put out 5 kilowatts of electricity in standard models or up to 10 kilowatts in high-output versions.



Those generators cost up to $15,000 and must have their own fuel supplies; the Ram HEV's generator will run from the truck's own fuel tank. "



Wow I would love to sell this guy some generators. $15,000 for a 10KW generator is nuts. (sure hope its 3 phase)

Why not put a larger generator on the thing as it surely has the power to turn it. Something like the military 3 phase 35kw unit would make sense.

Good idea, just get it out of the hands of the guys that sit at a desk for a living and let working people tell them what they want.