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Chrysler created the ultimate family vehicle when it designed the Chrysler minivan and the latest 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid illustrates how an automaker can refine, upgrade and nearly perfect a vehicle. Windsor Assembly is celebrating a major production milestone. The plant just built the 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. For a company that is often questioned because it doesn’t have any full EVs yet, Chrysler has sold 100,000 electrified vehicles and its sibling company Jeep has the number one selling plug-in hybrid, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Chrysler Pacifica is a Living Room on Wheels
The first-generation Chrysler minivans were released in November 1983 as 1984 models. Chrysler engineers started working on the project in the late 1970’s. They were trying to create a new version of station wagon that would fit in a family’s garage.
Over the years, Chrysler continued to innovate the family vehicle, maximizing interior space, by adding seating that folds into the floor and storage bins that sit flush with the floor. The automaker added hands-free sliding doors, a vacuum and the latest infotainment.
Then, the crowing glory was added when production of the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid began on December 1, 2016, as a 2017 model. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid offers families the best of both worlds with an all-electric range of 32 miles, 82 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and total range of 520 miles. Now, that’s a road trip.
Most families don’t travel that much on a daily basis and many families can get by on the electric range for an average day. However, when you start to add in soccer practice, music lessons, basketball or football games and vacations, the incredible range makes the hybrid minivan invaluable.
Windsor Ontario Assembly Pacifica Milestone
Assembly plant employees were invited to celebrate the production of 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivan. The Canadian plant sits just across the Detroit River from the Motor City. The 100,000th vehicle is a 2023 Brilliant Black Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Touring L model.
The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is the first and still the only plug-in hybrid in the segment and remains the only minivan eligible for a full $7,500 federal tax credit which is significant for families looking to save money. The family vehicle, the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is the No. 3 top selling plug-in hybrid since launching in 2016, right behind the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Chrysler plans to have an all-electric vehicle available in 2025. The brand hopes to be all-electric vehicles in 2028.
“Congratulations to the entire team at Windsor Assembly Plant on production of the 100,000th ultimate family vehicle, the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid jump-started the Chrysler brand’s electrified journey, and we continue to build on this foundation to deliver the first all-electric Chrysler vehicle in 2025 and an all-electric Chrysler brand portfolio in 2028.”
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is designed to offer a seamless driving experience, with no need for the driver to select between electric and hybrid modes. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid can also help charge the battery when braking or stopping using the built-in regenerative braking technology. A Max Regeneration mode allows for even greater regenerative braking force to maximize efficiency.
The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid also offers seven-passenger seating, more interior capacity than any other plug-in hybrid in the industry, and Pacifica has more standard safety features than any other vehicle in its class. Many times, I get the impression that the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the Rodney Dangerfield of vehicles. Dangerfield often joked that he “Gets no respect”. Some people joke about minivans and refuse to entertain the thought of buying one. Ask any parent who spends a lot of time driving kids to activities and they will tell you that it is the best vehicle ever created. Better yet, rent one sometime for a family trip and it will quickly convince you that the hybrid minivan is a gift to parents everywhere.
Chrysler Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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