As the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) progressed last week, the dour outlook for the American auto industry did not seem to dampen the presentations of some automakers. Chrysler LLC unveiled four hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as well as its 200C EV concept sedan to show its vision for the near future. The 200C EV is a rear-wheel four-door sedan that can travel up to 40 miles without using a drop of gasoline. The SULEV gas engine extends the 200C’s range to 400 miles and produces 74 horsepower of continuous electric power.
Chrysler’s new concept car was the new kid in town compared to some of its other offerings. The automaker display range-extended EV versions of the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler United and Chrysler Town and County to NAIAS attendees. The Dodge Circuit sports car has been repackaged from prior concepts, bringing hope to drivers who want to buy American while getting a stylish and eco-friendly ride.
While each offering by Chrysler has unique design quirks, all of the Chrysler EVs share performance levels and drive trains. Chrysler’s ENVI division installed 268-horsepower SULEV engines in each vehicle to extend the range beyond 40 miles of all-electric power. Each EV model features a controller, lithium-ion battery pack and electric traction motor to produce electricity sufficient to stay in motion. The primary differences between the Chrysler EV models is the use of front-wheel (Jeep Patriot EV) and rear-wheel (Dodge Circuit) drives as well as the amount of continuous charge (60 to 74 horsepower).
Chrysler ignored current economic realities to show optimism for its ENVI models. The automaker says it will produce at least one of these models by 2010 in North America and three models by the time 2013 rolls around. The company’s representatives said that they want 500,000 EVs and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) sold throughout the world by 2013. With all due respect to Chrysler’s executives, these goals seem overly ambitious considering their current plight.
The rapid development of all-electric and hybrid electric vehicles requires plenty of cash, production capability and time. Chrysler is surviving in the next few weeks based entirely on an investment made by the federal government under the bailout program. While the 200C EV and the Dodge Circuit may have thrilled NAIAS visitors, these concepts may not see the light of day unless Chrysler figures out how to survive beyond the spring.
