Chrysler Group Halts Plug-in Hybrid Test Fleet after Discovering a Problem with the Batteries

The Chrysler Group has temporarily pulled the plug on its test fleet of advanced plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) to fix a battery problem that occurred on a small number of models.

In particular, the Detroit-based carmaker said three of the fleet’s 109 pickups fitted with plug-in hybrid powertrains sustained damage when their prototype 12.9-kWh lithium-ion propulsion batteries overheated, adding that no injuries were reported with all incidents happening when the vehicles were unoccupied.

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Chrysler , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Ram , Ram Concepts , Reports

2013 Ram 1500 V6 Returns Best-in-Class Fuel Economy of 18MPG City and 25MPG Highway

The redesigned for the 2013 model year Ram 1500 pickup truck now claims to be the most fuel-efficient model in the full-size segment when fitted with the base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine coupled to a new (and standard) 8-speed automatic transmission.

With this setup, the lighter and more aerodynamic 2013 Ram 1500 is said to return 18mpg (13.1 lt/100km) in the city and 25mpg (9.4lt/100km) in highway driving.

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Galleries , New Cars , Ram , Reports