Chrysler EVs electrify future product plans
General Motors captured the media spotlight recently with the highly anticipated unveiling of the Chevrolet Volt in production trim. Then, in swooped Chrysler with a “me too” announcement, well-timed to coincide with discussions in Washington, D.C. regarding financial support for the auto industry. Chrysler’s shocker was that they have committed to produce an electric-drive vehicle for North America in 2010, with expansion to European markets to follow.
The company has unveiled prototypes of extended-range and pure-electric vehicles to demonstrate the technology applications developed by the in-house ENVI group (short for “environmental”). Simply put, the powertrains consist of an electric motor, lithium-ion battery, and a controller that manages energy flow. As demonstrated by the prototypes, the electric-drive system is being developed for front-, rear-, and four-wheel-drive applications.
Chrysler claims this EV technology could provide 40 miles of pure-electric range in the Town & Country minivan and Jeep Wrangler, with a small gasoline-fueled engine able to extend the range to 400 miles using just eight gallons of gas. The Town & Country has a 255-horsepower-equivalent motor, and a reported 0-60 mph time of nine seconds. The Wrangler has 268 horsepower. Engineers are exploring the use of electric motors for off-roading.
Engineered as a pure electric vehicle, the Dodge EV is a sleek, rear-drive sports car, reminiscent of the Tesla Roadster. The continuous driving range is 150-200 miles, and like the other prototypes, it can be recharged from a 110- or 220-volt outlet. The Dodge has a claimed 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed in excess of 120 mph.
Chrysler has not announced which vehicle it will produce for 2010. As we drive a wide range of green machines during our Future of the Car day, it is clear that a plurality of solutions is on the near horizon, and electricity will play a key role. Keep an eye here on our Cars blog and follow us on Twitter for more news. And join our forum discussion on hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.
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