Chrysler announces Dodge EV, three other plug-ins on CNBC
Ahead of a dealer video conference later today, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli spoke with CNBC this morning and unveiled the first product of its ENVI electric car division. Nardelli pulled the covers off of the Dodge EV which is based on the Lotus Europa. Like the Tesla Roadster which has a chassis derived from the Lotus Elise, the Europa is also based on an extended Elise chassis. ENVI has created the Dodge EV by adding electric drive and lithium ion batteries to the Europa for a plug-in range of 150-200 miles and 0-60 time of under 5 seconds. Like the Zeo concept unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the Dodge EV is a pure electric sports car. Paralleling that, Chrysler is also showing a pair of extended range EVs based on the Town and Country Van and Jeep Wrangler. Like the Volt, both of these are expected to have a 40-mile battery range and 400-mile total range. The Jeep at least is also using four hub motors to provide individual torque control at each corner. The fourth vehicle in the lineup is the Pea-pod NEV. During the interview, Nardelli and Tom LaSorda indicated they are targeting a late 2010 launch for at least one of these vehicles. Chrysler will be making a more detailed announcement today at 1 p.m. [Source: CNBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeff 10:29AM (9/23/2008)
In wheel motors. Woot. This is what the Volt is missing. How is it that Chrysler may have gotten it more right than GM? I'm impressed. Who gives a crap that the Jeep has 0 AER compared to the Volt, they're using a more efficient technology, making all of that irrelevant. Sweet.
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Tman 10:34AM (9/23/2008)
Its a great way for Chrysler to keep their head in the race.
I've always thought why they have to wait till the auto shows to reveal concepts. This way they get some spot light without being in another concepts shadow and its a whole lot cheaper.
Out of all four concepts, the Chrysler minivan looks likely to be the most successful. That is if the price is reasonable. The Jeep also has a shot. Its surprising how the Lotus Europa falls into the dodge styling theme without any modifications. It would be a good replacement for the soon to be sold Viper. The pea pod on the other hand looks too much like all the previous toony EV concepts. meaning. It will not fly. Heres good luck to chrysler.
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Doug 10:35AM (9/23/2008)
Brief article with images of the cars here:
http://www.cnbc.com//id/26850309
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ivor 11:44AM (9/23/2008)
Slipped into the promo was 'if we get our $25 billion'. Sounds a bit like extortion... 'pay us or we'll shoot your EV'. No thanks, I'll keep my $25B and shop from someone who doesn't need corporate welfare.
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Dave 12:09PM (9/23/2008)
ivor,
You are right, extortion. We are now the US of Socialists, so we mise well get use to it.
BUT, I am thrilled there's more EVs on the way, especially a major. Where is Ford? Probably scrambling to Capital Hill to request more money.
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TopaZ 12:18PM (9/23/2008)
Kudos to Chrysler....BUT,
4 Cars, and not ONE i can use. Sigh.
I want the "Honda Civic" of all-electric vehicles.
Small, cheap, 4 door.
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John Rowell 9:49PM (9/23/2008)
Encouraging to see this. It's amusing to me how Chrysler seems to have blown right past GM and their Volt that still has no real drive train in it, and built some working electric vehicles that they plan to have on the road in a couple years!
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