"Delphi Automotive Systems is proud to be a supplier to DaimlerChrysler Corporation on the Dodge ESX3, a concept vehicle that combines lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and cost efficiencies with high customer appeal in the next-generation family car," said Charles L. Rose, Delphi customer director for DaimlerChrysler.

The ESX3 builds on the knowledge and experience gained from the Dodge Intrepid ESX in 1996 and the ESX2 in 1998. It also draws on technology developed through the government-industry collaboration known as the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV).

According to Chief Engineer Gary Cameron, Delphi, working as a supplier to DaimlerChrysler and the U.S. Department of Energy, developed the Energen(TM) Hybrid Electric Propulsion System components for the DaimlerChrysler 3rd-Generation PNGV concept car. The Energen(TM) Hybrid Electric Propulsion System is a high-efficiency, high-energy density, air-cooled, embedded permanent-magnet motor with a highly integrated power electronics system.

In addition, Delphi developed the battery safety system in conjunction with other program partners as well as a new high-power connection system. The progress in fuel efficiency and costs stems from several major improvements in technology: The ESX3's mild hybrid electric powertrain combines a clean, efficient diesel engine, electric motor and state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery to achieve an average 72-mile-per-gallon (3.3 liters/100km) fuel efficiency (gasoline equivalent). That is 2 mpg better than the fuel efficiency of the ESX2 in 1998 and close to PNGV's goal of up to 80 mpg (2.9 liters/100 km).

The ESX3's powertrain, consisting of a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter, all-aluminum direct-injected diesel engine and 15-kilowatt peak-power electric motor, advances development of the powertrain in the ESX2.

As in the ESX2, the Dodge ESX3 hybrid powertrain reduces fuel energy use by relying on the electric motor and battery to capture braking energy and reuse it to power accessories and provide a boost during hard acceleration.

For additional fuel savings, the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is stopped, and the air-cooled electric motor, which weighs just 76 pounds, instantly restarts the engine when the accelerator pedal is pressed. "This program represents the culmination of three years of research and development in partnership with the Department of Energy, DaimlerChrysler and other suppliers," said Cameron, who leads Delphi's Energenix team in Kokomo, Ind. We are very proud to be with DaimlerChrysler today as it debuts its advanced technology vehicles. We believe these technologies represent the future of automotive transportation systems and we are committed to working with industry and government to enable these technologies to enter the market.

(Feb. 22, 2000)