Chrysler shares $3.1M with UM-Dearborn for plug-in hybrid Ram project

Back in early November, when Chrysler had its big business plan meeting, it became clear that most of the plug-in electric drive programs that the company has been promoting since early 2008 were being abandoned. One new test program that was announced was a plug-in hybrid version of the Ram pickup. The PHEV truck will be based on the two-mode hybrid Ram that is launching in 2010.

Chrysler will be getting some help on the project from Professor Chris Mi at University of Michigan - Dearborn. Chrysler will be sharing $3.1 million of the $48 million grant it received as part of a stimulus bill plug-in development program. Mi will be developing a lab for the testing and characterization of electronics, batteries, motors and control systems. Chrysler hopes to have a test fleet of PHEV Rams on the road sometime in 2011.

[Source: University of Michigan - Dearborn]

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