1. The electric drive
The Dodge EV that Chrysler intends to commercialize by 2010 is comprised of three main components: first, an electric engine that drives the wheels; second, an advanced lithium-ion battery that powers the electric engine; and third, a device that controls the energy flow. This technology can be coupled with any of the power trains offered by the manufacturer, namely front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Evidently, the vehicles powered by this technology won't produce any emissions, and they'll offer drivers an operating range between 250 and 330 kilometres. Knowing that most people only travel around 40 kilometres per day during their commute, this operating range considerably exceeds the needs of most consumers.
2. The extended-range electric drive
As for the extended-range electric vehicles like the Chrysler EV and the Jeep EV, the manufacturer has added a small gas engine connected to a generator that produces the electricity the electric system will need. Basically, as in the Volt's case, when the battery has reached the limit of its operating range, the small gas engine will fire up and drive the generator in order to recharge the battery while allowing the electric engine to continue powering the vehicle.
An electric MINI by the end of 2008?
The BMW Group has also committed to the trend, announcing the production of some 500 electric MINIs, dubbed the MINI E. This new MINI will be propelled by an electric engine producing 204 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, powered by a lithium-ion battery. It'll feature front-wheel drive like all the other MINIs, but one that produces neither noise nor emissions. The operating range of this battery will be more similar to that of Chrysler than GM, reaching 240 km. As for road performance, it'll make the 0 to 100-km/h dash in 8.5 seconds and see its top speed limited at 152 km/h. The MINI E will be launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20, 2008.
The Dodge EV that Chrysler intends to commercialize by 2010 is comprised of three main components: first, an electric engine that drives the wheels; second, an advanced lithium-ion battery that powers the electric engine; and third, a device that controls the energy flow. This technology can be coupled with any of the power trains offered by the manufacturer, namely front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
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| Dodge EV's electric system. |
Evidently, the vehicles powered by this technology won't produce any emissions, and they'll offer drivers an operating range between 250 and 330 kilometres. Knowing that most people only travel around 40 kilometres per day during their commute, this operating range considerably exceeds the needs of most consumers.
2. The extended-range electric drive
As for the extended-range electric vehicles like the Chrysler EV and the Jeep EV, the manufacturer has added a small gas engine connected to a generator that produces the electricity the electric system will need. Basically, as in the Volt's case, when the battery has reached the limit of its operating range, the small gas engine will fire up and drive the generator in order to recharge the battery while allowing the electric engine to continue powering the vehicle.
An electric MINI by the end of 2008?
The BMW Group has also committed to the trend, announcing the production of some 500 electric MINIs, dubbed the MINI E. This new MINI will be propelled by an electric engine producing 204 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, powered by a lithium-ion battery. It'll feature front-wheel drive like all the other MINIs, but one that produces neither noise nor emissions. The operating range of this battery will be more similar to that of Chrysler than GM, reaching 240 km. As for road performance, it'll make the 0 to 100-km/h dash in 8.5 seconds and see its top speed limited at 152 km/h. The MINI E will be launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20, 2008.
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| This new MINI will be propelled by an electric engine powered by a lithium-ion battery. |