Hybrid electric concepts Dodge Intrepid

in late 1990s, chrysler used intrepid research platform hybrid electric vehicle in diesel-electric configuration. 3 variations built, intrepid esx, esx ii, , esx iii. first vehicle built in series hybrid configuration, while next 2 considered mild hybrids. these attempted in time frame of 1997 1998.

the esx design team set high goal of making vehicle capable of sipping gasoline @ rate of 80 miles per gallon (2.9 l/100 km; 96 mpg‑imp), eventual vehicle achieved estimated 55 miles per gallon (4.3 l/100 km; 66 mpg‑imp). figure impressive such vehicle. however, car used number of exotic materials, made cost excessive if ever go full-scale production. estimated car cost $80,000, or $60,000 more regular intrepid. part of price increase caused use of lead-acid batteries.

the esx ii team set more modest goal of 70 miles per gallon (3.4 l/100 km; 84 mpg‑imp). vehicle made lighter normal using aluminum frame , carbon fiber composite material. version cost around $37,000, or $15,000 more standard intrepid. version used nickel metal hydride batteries.

the third vehicle, esx iii, had target mileage of 72 miles per gallon (3.3 l/100 km; 86 mpg‑imp). used less expensive materials, such injection-molded thermoplastic instead of carbon fiber. estimated cost $7,500 more standard vehicle, give total somewhere around $30,000. esx iii used lithium ion batteries.