by Gabrielle DeSantis

Every segment using internal combustion engines is trying to figure out ways to lessen carbon emissions. The mining industry, with its thousands of trucks in use, is no exception. So now Rolls-Royce has stepped in to try and provide an answer that mining companies can buy. It has developed a way for these trucks to maintain existing performance while lessening emissions. 

These Rolls-Royce-powered trucks are massive and must perform in extreme conditions

These trucks are massive and must work in a huge range of environments. Whether steep inclines, high altitudes, extremes in temperature, or while dust storms blow, it must perform. Perform 24 hours a day at times. And that’s with 450 tons dumped into its bed. 

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has come up with a hybrid mining truck that has improved a number of capabilities. The standard mtu (Rolls-Royce) diesel engine gets replaced with a smaller diesel engine with a hybrid-electric system. Through braking energy winding its way down a hill, that provides enough energy to power the truck back up. 

In this way, C02 emissions are reduced. A 1,163 KW V16 engine combined with hybrid power reduces emissions by 30-percent according to Mining Magazine. Performance remains the same as with an engine twice as large. 

What if the mining truck is working in areas off of the grid?

But many of these mining operations are done in areas off of the grid. What if the batteries need recharging? Rolls- Royce has that figured out with a microgrid application. 

Microgrid supply systems work in remote areas where there is no public power. A combination of renewable energy sources, storage systems, and a mtu diesel or gas engine generator, they’re controlled at a central location to generate the necessary power. What we don’t know is whether the added diesel and gas generators still contribute to the 30-percent reduction in emissions. 

While we half expect that hybrid solutions have blanketed categories where C02 emissions are regulated. But the Rolls-Royce effort appears to be the first. At least for these humungous mining trucks.

Rolls-Royce has been making massive commercial engines for decades

Don’t forget that besides building luxury vehicles forever, Rolls-Royce is also an engine maker. For decades it has supplied engines for passenger jets. And before that, it was making engines for WWII, which were used in many military applications built in America. 

So it has the ability to offer solutions for unique engine applications like mining trucks, as obscure as they are. But there are other ideas floating around that parallel those happening with passenger cars. Both hydrogen-powered engines and fuel cells are being looked at. 

Whether they ever make their way into commercial use we won’t know for a while. But companies are finding increased scrutiny for how they pollute. So running fleets that carry a smaller footprint is finding favor with various governments, consumers, and stockholders as well.

RELATED: Inspiration: Let’s All Run 12-Cylinder Tank Engines in Our Cars Like This

The post Rolls-Royce Begins Making…Mining Trucks? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Minivans might be waning, but the Chrysler Pacifica remains a solid pick for large families. Its interior is spacious enough for all passengers, and its Stow ‘n Go seating makes packing cargo a cinch. It also has more exciting road manners than many of its rivals, available all-wheel drive, and even a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid version.

Though most critics and consumers love their Pacificas, they often aren’t the most reliable vehicles. And one model is arguably the worst of them all. Here’s what you should know if you’re shopping for a used Chrysler Pacifica.

The problematic 2017 Chrysler Pacifica at a glance

You can find a used 2017 Pacifica for just under $20,000. It has the same powertrain as the most recent model: a 287-hp V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, AWD wasn’t available for this model year.

Consumer Reports says this 2017 Pacifica handles well for a vehicle its size, and the ride feels compliant. It also brakes quickly, though CR’s testers said the headlights aren’t very bright. The interior materials are a nice mix of upscale and durable, enough to withstand years of children’s grubby fingers.

But that’s where the positives end.

What’s wrong with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?

Although Consumer Reports’ testers liked driving the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, the engine is still prone to complaints when pushed too hard. CR also criticized the safety features reserved for higher trims and below-average fuel economy. Though the available PHEV is easier on gas, it loses the handy Stow ‘n Go seats.

Additionally, the 2017 Pacifica got the lowest reliability rating out of a scale of 1 to 5. Many drivers experienced an electronic gear shifter malfunction. The shifter was prone to accelerating violently at random, often without any warning lights. Sometimes the transmission works normally for many miles only to encounter problems again.

CashCarsBuyer says this problem starts early for the 2017 Pacifica, around 23,000 miles. However, one CR survey shows a driver experienced severely rough shifting at only 900 miles. To repair the transmission, owners usually have to spend around $3,000.

Additionally, the NHTSA had numerous complaints about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica’s engine. These issues range from a loss of power to violent shaking, causing a few crashes. This issue generally appears at around 20,000 miles.

Body integrity is also a problem for the 2017 Pacifica, with drivers reporting major water leaks. Other drivers said their minivan’s door panels were misaligned, resulting in faulty door sensors. Some owners still experienced excessive water and air leaking even after they had replaced the doors.

In addition, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has had 12 recalls, with the most widespread one including nearly 5 million units. Sometimes, drivers couldn’t turn off the cruise control, even when they hit the brakes to manually reset it.

The 2017 model also had a recall concerning stalling engines. Two other recalls concerned the seatbelts failing in both rear rows. Fortunately, these problems affected only a relatively small number of vehicles.

Other problematic model years

CashCarsBuyer also recommends avoiding the 2007 Chrysler minivan, then known as the Town & Country. Around 115,000 miles, the engine is likely to experience stalling problems and cost around $1,600 to fix. The engine often becomes loose or cracked before eventually shutting down while the car is in motion.

The 2006 model also isn’t the safest, thanks to numerous structural issues. Fortunately, Chrysler seems to have resolved most of the minivan’s biggest problems in recent years. But CR says the 2018 Pacifica isn’t very reliable and has many recalls, so purchase with caution.

RELATED: Chrysler Pacifica History: From Crossover to Best-Selling Minivan

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