"This technology provides customers with a vehicle that has zero tailpipe emissions and a 150 to 200 mile driving range - far exceeding most Americans' daily commutes" explained Frank Klegon, Chrysler's Executive V.P. of Product Development. "Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire."
Two 'range extended' versions of Chrysler Group vehicles were created in addition to the Dodge EV concept. In either of the range extended models, the electric system is paired with a gas engine and an integrated generator to recharge the batteries while driving.
A Town and Country minivan is being explored, as is a Jeep Wrangler that boasts full off-road capability. Either of these vehicles can travel over 40 miles before the gas engine needs to engage to recharge the batteries. If the owner drives less than the 40 mile electric-only range, they can simply recharge the vehicle and not use any gasoline.
It's not yet clear which of the 3 prototypes will come to market first, or even how Chrysler will decide which one to choose.
"The reason we're keeping the suspense out there is because we're still in the development stages" LaSorda said. "For now, the technology is being developed in parallel across models on proven platforms- and we'll see what happens a little further down the line".
Chrysler says that their electric vehicle technology will be matched to any vehicles using it, regardless of the driveline or body construction. Nothing is out of the question- from a small front-drive electric car to a range-extended gas-electric pickup.
Though pricing, production and many other details have yet to be announced, LaSorda mentioned that other 'surprises' may be possible- and that his company has no plans to limit the scope of their electric vehicle projects to just 3 cars.
photo:Chrysler
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| Town and Country EV concept |
Two 'range extended' versions of Chrysler Group vehicles were created in addition to the Dodge EV concept. In either of the range extended models, the electric system is paired with a gas engine and an integrated generator to recharge the batteries while driving.
A Town and Country minivan is being explored, as is a Jeep Wrangler that boasts full off-road capability. Either of these vehicles can travel over 40 miles before the gas engine needs to engage to recharge the batteries. If the owner drives less than the 40 mile electric-only range, they can simply recharge the vehicle and not use any gasoline.
It's not yet clear which of the 3 prototypes will come to market first, or even how Chrysler will decide which one to choose.
"The reason we're keeping the suspense out there is because we're still in the development stages" LaSorda said. "For now, the technology is being developed in parallel across models on proven platforms- and we'll see what happens a little further down the line".
Chrysler says that their electric vehicle technology will be matched to any vehicles using it, regardless of the driveline or body construction. Nothing is out of the question- from a small front-drive electric car to a range-extended gas-electric pickup.
Though pricing, production and many other details have yet to be announced, LaSorda mentioned that other 'surprises' may be possible- and that his company has no plans to limit the scope of their electric vehicle projects to just 3 cars.
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| Jeep Wrangler EV concept |
photo:Chrysler
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