The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is lauded for its fuel efficiency, but understanding its mileage, especially the MPGe (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) figure, can be a bit confusing. Let’s delve into what Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid owners are experiencing in terms of mileage and how to interpret these numbers for a clearer picture of your van’s efficiency.
One owner shared their experience of achieving an impressive average MPG of around 85, as displayed on their dashboard. This figure, achieved over a couple of weeks with nearly 100% electric-only driving, highlights the potential of the Pacifica Hybrid when utilized primarily in electric mode.
Dashboard showing MPG reading
This 85 MPG isn’t traditional MPG; it’s MPGe. According to the EPA, MPGe is a measure of the average distance you can drive electrically on the same amount of energy as contained in one gallon of gasoline. In simpler terms, it converts electrical energy consumption into a gasoline equivalent to allow for easier comparison with gasoline vehicles. The EPA standard uses 33.7 kWh of electricity as equivalent to one gallon of gasoline.
So, 85 MPGe suggests that the owner could travel 85 miles using 33.7 kWh of electrical energy. This aligns closely with the official sticker rating of 84 MPGe for the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. However, the van’s own estimation might differ slightly. The owner noted that the van estimated a 33-mile range on a full battery (approximately 16 kWh), which, when calculated proportionally (85 miles * 16 kWh / 33.7 kWh), equates to roughly 40.4 miles of range. This discrepancy could be attributed to various factors like temperature, driving style, and usage of climate control features like heating or AC. In moderate conditions with efficient driving, a 40-mile electric range on a full charge seems realistic.
Hybrid Energy Page on Radio
The challenge, as pointed out by the owner, lies in how Chrysler combines ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) hybrid-mode MPG with electric-only MPGe into a single “MPG” metric on the dashboard. By using the same label (MPG) and a conversion factor (likely the 33.7 kWh = 1 gallon of gas standard), Chrysler attempts to present a unified efficiency figure. The vehicle’s Hybrid Energy page even displays ICE usage in kWh, while the dash efficiency rating shows everything in MPG.
While this approach might seem convenient at first glance, it can be misleading. It obscures the distinct efficiencies of electric-only and hybrid modes. Unless you consistently drive in 100% electric mode, as the owner did to achieve the 85 MPGe, it becomes difficult to directly compare the electric efficiency of the Pacifica Hybrid to other electric vehicles. Similarly, assessing real-world gasoline fuel economy in hybrid mode becomes challenging when it’s blended with electric usage.
For practical purposes, especially when calculating running costs, the owner suggests that a “cost per mile” metric might be more useful. This could incorporate local electricity costs and gas prices to provide a more grounded understanding of the vehicle’s operational expenses. Alternatively, displaying electric-only and hybrid/ICE efficiency as separate metrics with distinct charts and statistics could offer greater clarity and allow owners to truly understand and optimize their Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s fuel efficiency in different driving scenarios. Clear separation would enable drivers to compare electric mode efficiency against other EVs and hybrid mode MPG against traditional gasoline vehicles, providing a more transparent and informative user experience.
