With all the vehicle manufacturers pouring effort on the hybrid vehicle technology, naturally, Dodge will not want to be left behind. Although efforts from Dodge and the mother company that is Chrysler do not seem enough to come up with a remarkable hybrid model, they are still trying. Presently, Dodge has introduced a couple of Dodge hybrid vehicles to the market already.

Dodge Hybrids Lineup - Starting With The ESX Series

Dodge's first line up of hybrids was the ESX series. They first have the Intrepid ESX then the ESX 2 and ESX 3. The last two models were better than the ESX but all of them are not really feasible for mass production. Selling cost is going to be very high that they cannot be expected to fare well on the market. These models have met the high standard of miles per gallon. Performance wise, Dodge hybrid models are good performers. But when you weigh it with the cost of production, you can not very well expect to sell a model due to the very high per unit cost.

Powerbox

Dodge became quite successful with hybrids when they offered the Dodge Powerbox hybrid concept. This model has a supercharged V6 engine that runs on the joint effort of a compressed natural gas and an electric motor. This model was offered to the market in the onset of 2001.

The gasoline engine of a Dodge Powerbox produces 250 hp from natural gas and it has an automatic rear wheel drive transmission. The additional 70 hp electric motor from Siemens are designed to power the front wheel when it is needed, helping in acceleration and in the saving of the kinetic energy when braking.

This model from Dodge has a large interior and can accommodate up to eight passengers. The body of this hybrid vehicle is made from lightweight and recyclable thermoplastic material. It is a good performing hybrid vehicle during that time although it does not look very appealing. Dodge Powerbox Hybrid has been the forerunner to the Durango hybrid and the Dodge Ram Hybrid Truck.

Ram Hybrid Truck

Late in the year 2004, Dodge started the production of the Dodge Ram Hybrid truck. Dodge Ram hybrid truck is good for construction sites use because it is very good in off road driving. But if it is good for off road driving, naturally other outdoor users such as campers, farmers and other off road drivers will take interest on the model also.

Dodge Ram Hybrid truck also known as the Dodge Ram Contractor Special is prided to deliver the most environmental advantages. Dodge has a very low emission than any off road hybrid vehicle. This model from Dodge is considered as a mild hybrid vehicle.

Unlike the full hybrid types that can run fully on electricity or gasoline alone, Dodge Ram Truck hybrid is a diesel engine that only gets assistance form a starter-alternator system that is integrated to it. This is mainly because the body of the truck is built upon a heavy-duty chassis. It is hard to expect that a hybrid vehicle built with a heavy chassis will be fully hybrid. Fuel efficiency of a Dodge Ram truck is therefore at a low 15 percent increase only.

Durango Hybrid SUV

Dodge Durango Hybrid SUV is the latest offering from Dodge in the line of hybrid vehicles. DaimlerChrysler tied up with General Motors to be able to develop hybrid power trains that will be used by both companies in the future. As a result of this tie up venture came the Dodge Durango Hybrid SUV.

It is presently running with the efficiency of 14 mpg on city driving while 18 mpg on highway driving. It is expected to reach the desired 18 mpg on city driving and 23 mpg on highway on the next versions. Durango hybrid is aiming to offer a two-mode hybrid technology. This is a technology that is presently utilized by GM Hybrid buses. This will help boost acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Considering the history of Dodge with hybrid vehicles, the partnership with General Motors seemed to be a very smart move in order to catch up with the soaring popularity of hybrid vehicles. Dodge hybrids, such as Dodge hybrid SUV, Ram Truck and Powerbox, are expected to fare in the market better than before. This is why Dodge has abandoned most of the technology that they used with the former hybrid vehicles that they offered.

About the Author

Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Dodge hybrid, Saturn Vue hybrid and Ford hybrids.