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The Time Has Come: Chrysler Officially Launches 2017 Pacifica Hybrid Minivan

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2017 Chrysler Pacifica Driving

The time long foretold is upon us: Chrysler has officially launched the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid. This not only represents one of the few minivans still on sale today, but also represents the very first minivan to move on electrons alone.


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The 2017 Pacifica Hybrid’s power comes from a combination of a 16kW battery pack (conveniently stored under the second row of seats), a dual-motor eFlite electronically variable transmission, and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.

The number of cylinders is a bit of an oddity, as most plug-in hybrids opt for smaller four-cylinder engines. In any case, though, the battery, which can be charged from a 240V plug in as little as two hours, Chrysler tells us, holds enough charge to move the minivan an estimated 30 miles before the engine kicks on, giving the Pacifica Hybrid a total range of 530 miles and an efficiency rating of 80 MPGe in the city. This range is enough to allow the Pacifica Hybrid full access to the federal electric car tax credit of $7,500.


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This launch comes at something of a fortuitous time, as the Pacifica (in its less-electrified form) has been pulling in awards and commendations, such as a Top Safety Pick+ rank from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (the highest possible), a spot on Wards Auto’s “10 Best User Experience” list, and even picking up one of the highly-sought-after final spots for North American Car of the Year (the winner of which will be announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit).