Chrysler to Introduce Flex-Fuel Jeeps in 2007

Green Car Congress ^ | April 25, 2006 | unk.

[T Ruth]

Beginning next year, Chrysler will introduce flexible-fuel models of the Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee capable of running on ethanol blends of up to 85% (E85)— the first application of E85 flex-fuel engines to the Jeep brand.

All Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee retail and fleet buyers who select the 4.7-liter engine option will automatically receive Flexible-Fuel Vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel. Also available in Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability for 2007 are:

* Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible with the 2.7-liter engine.

* Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram pickups and Dodge Durango SUV with 4.7-liter engine.

* Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans equipped with 3.3-liter engines will also be available with FFV capability for fleet customers.

Overall for 2007, the company plans to sell more than 250,000 Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on E85. That number will increase to nearly 500,000 units beginning in the 2008 model year, or about 25% of the company’s new US vehicles.

Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda made the announcement during remarks to the Renewable Fuel Association annual conference in Washington, DC, today.

Chrysler Group says that it has 1.5 million FFV-capable vehicles already on the road, representing about 10% of all vehicles sold by the company since 1998—a greater percentage than any other company.

To maximize the ability to run on ethanol-based fuels, automakers adjust engine computer controls and alter the fuel system (fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel lines) to resist the corrosive effects of ethanol.

Chrysler Group FFVs use a patented sensor system to determine the exact content of the fuel (E85, gasoline or any mixture of the two). The seamless transition of one fuel to another is accomplished by an advanced calibration system that determines the concentration of ethanol in the gasoline and adjusts for greatest operational efficiency.

["]Unfortunately, too many of these vehicles have been—or will be—running on pure gasoline due to the lack of a fuel infrastructure. But we know that flex-fuels can work, when industry and government get behind them and encourage infrastructure development.["]

—Tom LaSorda

When burning gasoline, the 2006 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee with the 4.7-liter engine have an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined. Fuel consumption with E85 will be higher (and fuel economy lower), due to the lower energy content of ethanol, although Chrysler has not yet provided an estimated rating for these vehicles.

[T Ruth]

This is some more good news. The point is not to save a few dollars on fuel, or to reduce emissions, but rather, by changing the infrastructure, to render to key asset of our enemies, oil, substantially less valuable. It will be a long slog, but progress is being made.

[T Ruth]

. . . to render the key asset . . .

[Talking_Mouse]

I figure I have 3 to 4 more years on my Wrangler. I'll then buy another used Wrangler -- it will be wonderful it is an FFV. I want to do my part in lessening our dependence on oil (however you will NOT get me into a hybrid - love my Wranglers too much).

You are right that changing the infrastructure is the way to lessen our dependence on oil.

[P-40]

If the Republicans are smart, they will push this sort of thing.

[Blue Highway]

Are there going to be additional Ethanol pumps alongside the regular gasoline pumps and Diesel pumps now? Seems like there would have to be an infrastructure in place to give stations an incentive to add pumps. Also what would Ethanol be selling for per gallon? Less profits for oil companies wouldn't seem to make them want to rush to meet the little demand there is for Ethanol...

[kinoxi]

most new engines are e85 compatible. my truck (05) however want's nothing to do with this...

[T Ruth]

The fact that most gasoline stations are run based on a franchise relationship with an oil company could be an obstacle to the addition of ethanol or E85 infrastructure (pumps), as you point out.

Maybe a legislative fix will be needed. (Most states already have laws regulating gasoline distribution franchises.)

However, some stations are adding pumps (mainly in the midwest), so the obstacles are not insurmountable.

[P-40]

Are there going to be additional Ethanol pumps alongside the regular gasoline pumps and Diesel pumps now?

I think you will just see an ethanol/gas mixture. It would be cost prohibitive to add a new tank unless they do it like with biodiesel where an above ground tank is delivered to your location and you sell from that.

[P-40]

relationship with an oil company

The oil companies also produce ethanol. What will be interesting to see is how the franchise relationship works with ethanol as there will be many suppliers of ethanol but less suppliers of gasoline.

[RandallFlagg]

I'm waiting for the Jeep Hurricaine:

[kinoxi]

sweet looking ride there

[T Ruth]

Ethanol is made from a lot of feedstocks other than corn. What is very interesting right now is the development of new feedstock sources, as well as the development of new technologies for the creation/extraction of ethanol. One can reasonably expect that these developments will increase supply and reduce the cost of ethanol.

I do not know whether ethanol would work as avaiation fuel, but I think that avaiation fuel is a small percentage of total oil consumption.

[Terpfen]

Short-term solution at best.

[Eye of Unk]

Let me guess, its from the upcoming HALO movie?

Looks just like the Warthog, needs a chain gun!

[P-40]

Somebody should let Bill O'Reilly know about this. :)

[RandallFlagg]

It's a concept Jeep that I REALLY hope they make.

Yes, I'm a big Halo 2 player.

[JeeperFreeper]

Me, too. I love Jeep Wranglers. See screen name. I hope the give us a FFV in a "real" Jeep. ;)