Earlier this week we informed you that Chrysler would be launching a brand new line of electric cars – and now the details of these vehicles have been released.
The vehicles will come in three different formats – a sports car, an SUV and a mini-van, representing one each for its brands Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. One electric-drive model will be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets and this will be released in European markets at a later date.
Here is a brief summary of the vehicles Chrysler is working on:
- Dodge EV – A two-passenger, rear-wheel drive sports car with a 200kW electric motor and a 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The Dodge can accelerate to 60mph in less than five seconds and has a top speed in excess of 120mph. It will have a continuous driving range of 150-200 miles and recharging will take around eight hours from a standard 100V household outlet.
- Jeep EV – A range-extended electric vehicle that uses an electric motor and 27kWh lithium-ion batteries along with a small petroleum engine and integrated electric generator to provide additional energy. The vehicle will have a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero emission all-electric operation. It can race from 0-60mph in nine seconds and has a top speed in excess of 90mph.
- Chrysler EV – A range-extended electric vehicle with a 190kW motor that can accelerate from 0-60mph in around nine seconds and achieve top speeds in excess of 100mph. The vehicle, which has a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack, can drive 40 miles on all-electric power, and has a range of 400 miles with eight gallons of petrol.
Speaking about the vehicles, Bob Nardelli, chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC, said the vehicles demonstrate that Chrysler is serious and well along in the development of bringing electric cars to market. He stated it is the company’s intent to meet the social responsibility of delivering environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient and advanced electric vehicles quicker and more broadly than any other manufacturer.
What do you make of Chrysler’s three electric car concepts? Which are you looking forward to the most? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
