Fact #128: May 15, 2000
PNGV Concept Vehicles Presented to the Public in 2000
The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) was established in 1993. This cooperative research effort involves seven government agencies, the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. (USCAR was formed in 1992 by Chrysler, Ford and GM to leverage the companies' research efforts in non-competitive areas.) The U.S. Department of Energy is a major participant in PNGV.The most well-known goal of the partnership is to develop technology that can be used to create vehicles that can achieve up to triple the fuel efficiency of today's vehicles with very low emissions, but without sacrificing affordability, performance or safety. These technologies can reduce the impact of cars and light trucks on the environment and reduce U.S. dependency on petroleum. The auto manufacturers met a major partnership milestone by introducing their concept vehicles in early 2000, and convened in Washington on March 30 to jointly present them to the press and Vice President Gore.
GM Precept |
Ford Prodigy |
DaimlerChrysler ESX3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPG (gasoline) | 80 | 72 | 72 |
| Heat Engine | 1.3 liter 3-cylinder diesel |
1.2 liter 4-cylinder diesel |
1.5 liter 3-cylinder diesel |
| Key Lightweight Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Thermoplastics |
| Aerodynamic Coefficient of Drag | 0.163 | 0.199 | 0.22 |
| Weight (Pounds) | 2,593 | 2,387 | 2,250 |
| Battery | NiMH or Lithium polymer |
NiMH | Lithium ion |
| Acceleration Time (0-60 sec.) |
11.5 | 12.0 | 11.0 |
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