Chrysler has plans to produce at least one electric-drive vehicle in the North American market in the 2010 model year. The automaker has three prototypes to choose from including a Dodge sports car, Jeep SUV and Chrysler minivan. If Chrysler is able to sell all-electric and range-extended vehicles in the United States in high numbers, these prototypes will be rolled out in Europe thereafter. The initial rollout will include 100 fleet vehicles for government agencies and businesses that have worked with Chrysler in the past.
Chrysler was able to make this announcement due to advancements in its proprietary electric-drive technology. The company’s all-electric system features a lithium ion battery to power an electric motor as well as an advanced controller to keep power flowing evenly during operation. The likely candidate for the 2010 rollout is one of the range-extended prototypes that combine electric systems with small gasoline engines.
The all-electric prototype offered by Chrysler will be the Dodge sports car with 26 kWh lithium ion battery. This car will be able to travel up to 120 miles per hour with a maximum distance of 200 miles according to prototype testing. Chrysler is trying to sneak one past car enthusiasts who value sleek design over alternative fuel technologies with the Dodge EV sports car.
The two remaining prototypes use the range-extended technology to expand on the 200-mile limit of the Dodge EV. The Jeep EV will look similar to the Cherokee and stay running up to 400 miles with the help of a small gas tank. Drivers will be able to travel up to 40 miles without emissions and gasoline use in the Jeep EV. The Chrysler EV minivan will look like the Town and Country and reach 100 miles per hour when its 22 kWh lithium ion battery is fully charged.
While American drivers are beginning to think about the possibilities of all-electric technologies, Chrysler will try to ease the transition into an all-electric inventory with one of its range-extended vehicles. The motor company has also started to think ahead to the next generation of all-electric vehicles by consulting with General Electric and the Department of Energy about advanced fuel technologies.
These developments are promising for drivers that want to buy American vehicles without sacrificing fuel efficiency. We still need to wait until Chrysler follows through on these promises before heaping them with praise; however, the acknowledgement that they have the technology for all-electric vehicles should create pressure to bring these products to market.
