One trend coming out of the 2016 auto show season is the proliferation of hybrid vehicle designs, both new and updated, from several manufacturers.

Perhaps the most significant comes from Fiat Chrysler. The company that "invented" the minivan just debuted the stylish Pacifica model to replace its Town & Country. The new vehicle will have a first-to-market plug-in hybrid version (available in the second half of the year). The Pacifica features a spacious cargo area/trunk, thanks to a collapsible spare tire in an interior side compartment, and underfloor stowable seats.

It is the latter storage volume for the second row that Chrysler design engineers leveraged to house the hybrid version's 16 kWh Li-ion battery that recharges in two hours using a 240V charger.

The plug-in capability provides a claimed 30-mile range on electric power alone, and 80 MPGe in city driving. Total range is put at 530 miles. Both gasoline and electric power (260 hp total) is directed to the front wheels. On the electric side, the Fiat Chrysler designed and patented EVT (electrically variable transmission) uses twin electric motors, both of which can drive the wheels.

The Pacifica hybrid’s gasoline engine is rated at 248 hp, but Chrysler engineers imply the electric motors are more powerful than the difference between the values quoted above. While not providing the exact value, they say, "The reason the total system power is not much higher than the engine horsepower is that the peak power of the engine and electric drive system do not occur at the same time. At low speed the vehicle leans heavily on the electric system and at high speed it leans heavily on the internal combustion engine system."

Chrysler says previous hybrid configurations usually used one motor as a generator and another, larger one, to power the wheels. The Pacifica arrangement uses a one-way clutch that allows the motor (which usually functions as the generator) to provide torque to the wheels. Engineers say that having a pair of similar motors improves efficiency and component packaging.

Also of note in the Pacifica is standard active noise cancellation, active grill shutters for lowering drag, and an "Are we there yet?" app, which displays trip progress on entertainment system screens, much like those on airline trips.

Prius Progress

The news from Toyota is a completely redesigned Prius and the advent of the RAV 4 hybrid crossover. The latter is derived from the Lexus NX300h hybrid and includes technology such as radar/vision-based pedestrian detection. Meanwhile, the latest Prius is based on Toyota's new global architecture. This fourth generation of the hybrid is slightly longer, wider and lower with a more "wing-shape" profile than the previous iteration.

Toyota's latest version of the Prius promises both improved fuel efficiency and road handling. Image source: Rick DeMeis The shape change and attention to aerodynamic details lowers Prius’ drag coefficient from 0.25 to 0.24. Reduced drag, battery improvements (a compact Li-ion type on most models rather than nickel-metal hydride) and a redesigned engine with greater thermal efficiency give the vehicle a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency combined mileage rating of 52 mpg, with an Eco version of the car posting 56 mpg combined. Smaller, lighter hybrid components and a new transaxle also contribute to greater efficiency.

Upgrades to sound proofing are evident by the "thunk" sound of the doors compared to the sound of this writer's 2013 model. The new architecture (and battery under the rear seat) also lowers the center of gravity. Combined with a double-wishbone rear suspension, this gives a claim of improved handling. Finally, included with all the technology upgrades on the Prius is an "intelligent" climate system that directs air only to where occupants are seated.

Malibu Moves

Also worth mentioning is the planned introduction later this year of Chevrolet's hybrid Malibu mid-size sedan as part of the model's redesign. General Motors, which launched the Chevy Volt, has generally used only mild hybrid technology on other vehicles.

The restyled 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will have a hybrid version on sale in the second half of this year. Image source: General MotorsThe Malibu hybrid essentially uses Volt architecture (except for plug-in capability) with a slightly larger gas engine and a lithium-ion battery pack of 1.5 kWh. That compares with the Volt's more substantial 18.4 kWh. Chevrolet puts the sedan's efficiency at 47 mpg U.S. EPA combined mileage rating. An added technology feature recovers exhaust gas heat to warm the engine and cabin in cold weather.

With such proliferation of hybrid powertrains, drivers have more choices now for efficient vehicles, a welcome situation once gasoline prices again start to climb.