I noticed that Dodge is unveiling a plug-in hybrid with a 1.3 liter, 4-cyl engine and a 90 kilowatt hour electric motor for a total of 272 HP. It also has a 15.5 Kwh battery that almost qualifies for the full $7,500 Federal tax credit. (You need 16.0 kwh for the full credit) Estimates are that the vehicle will have a 30-mile all electric range.
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-hy…
The Hornet is expected to share a number of components with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale compact SUV and will be built alongside its sibling at Stellantis’ factory in Pomigliano, Italy. The Hornet will also have a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and it’ll likely be a version of the Tonale’s setup, which combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged I4 engine and electric motor for a combination of 272 horsepower. Previous reports said Dodge would launch its first PHEV in 2022 with sales starting in 2023, so this all tracks.
I’m sure this Dodge product is crap, but if the Koreans or Japanese started producing a similar platform with sub-4-second 0-60 acceleration, I’d be a buyer.
A range of 40 miles would cover 90% plus of my driving. I’m not going to spend an extra $20,000 on a 300 mile battery I’ll only use twice a year. Just give me the smallest ICE that will cruise at highway speed while charging the battery and I’m fine. The electric motor(s) can cover whatever performance requirement the customer has.
intercst
