Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Dodge, Detroit Auto Show
Chrysler still bringing EV concepts to Detroit
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge EV
Chrysler made a really big deal about its three electric vehicle concepts that were first introduced to the public in September of last year (still not used to that, huh?) and was sure to mention at every opportunity that it planned on introducing at least one of these three vehicles, or at least a variation of the general theme, by 2010. There are quite a few skeptics - we ourselves are taking a "wait and see" attitude towards the situation - but the big loans that the automaker just got mean that it'll at least be around long enough to show the concepts at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show later this month.
Don't expect to see a lavish display like we saw last January from Chrysler, when it trotted out an entire herd of cattle through downtown Detroit for the launch of its 2009 Dodge Ram pickup. Although Chrysler's not talking about it quite yet, the fact that we've seen spy shots of an electric Dodge Roadster already, our best guess is that the Lotus-based electric sportscar is the best bet to see production.
Gallery: LA 2008: Dodge EV
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ronEbear 1:50PM (1/05/2009)
If Chrysler REALLY wanted to make a comeback, they would build a modern interpretation of the venerable K-car complete with front bench.
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gorr 3:04PM (1/05/2009)
I won't buy any battery car like this one or any battery car if there is not a small gasoline inboard battery recharger and performance enhancer inside the car. This car need only 12 h.p approx to maintain a speed of 60 m.p.h on a flat road without rain or snow.
This little inboard gasoline recharger weight only 70 pounds approx and 70 pounds can be shaved from the battery or even more then 70 pounds because as an exemple the weight of the tesla battery is 900 pounds. A 125 cc one cilinder 4 strokes water cooled engine plugued to an electric generator running at 8 000 r.p.m can be very useful to reach las vegas from los-angeles without 4 hours recharge time half way between the trip. The range can be as high as 500 miles and the power don't degrade along the way like the tesla do and all pure battery car do.
The total power can be 130 h.p but the generator is a consistant 12 h.p and this constant 12 h.p energy source plugged to the electrics powertrain and battery electric storage can stretch the range 5 times or more.
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MemphisNET 3:57PM (1/05/2009)
My bet is we'll see the DodgeEV and the Chrysler T&C EV. The Jeep may be there as well, but the focus will be the T&C. It just makes more sense. A small engine and the electronics can go neatly in the engine bay, and the battery's can reside in the floor -- all T&C EV's will get Swivel & Go because of this.
It makes more sense for Chrysler to focus on their bread & butter than a sports car (especially with Challenger and Viper still in the stable) -- or get the T&C out as well as the Dodge EV
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Chris M 9:55PM (1/05/2009)
Assuming that Chrysler doesn't close up shop first, the Dodge EV will probably be the first to market, as most of the development has already been done by Lotus and its parent company Proton, making it darn near production ready now.
The "Town & Country" plug-in hybrid will probably be introduced in 2010 or 2011, about the same time as other plug-in hybrids from GM and Toyota. Of course, if Chrysler merges with GM or Toyota, that could speed things up a bit.
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