ENVI boss Lou Rhodes talks about Chrysler's EV programs
Lou Rhodes and the Dodge Circuit prototype
When Chrysler announced the creation of its ENVI division to spearhead the development of electric vehicles back in September 2007, it was seen by most as a knee-jerk response to the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt. When Chrysler debuted a trio of concepts a few months later at last year's Detroit Auto Show they were seen as the usual vapor that would never see production. Same story when another trio of converted production cars were shown last September. Compared to the Chevy Volt, these were seen as a half-baked attempt to grab some of the EV spot-light without building an optimized dedicated vehicle.
Last fall, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli announced that at least one of those vehicles would go into production by 2010. Last week Green Fuels Forescast sat down with ENVI President Lou Rhodes and Executive Engineer Doug Quigley to talk about the electric drive systems being developed in Auburn Hills. Rhodes and Quigley revealed some very interesting information about air vs. liquid cooled batteries, range-extender sizes and more. It turns out the development of these electric vehicles actually started back in late 2005, before the Volt was even conceived. Rhodes also promised that additional announcements about which vehicle would be built and who would supply batteries will be coming in the next few weeks.
[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
brandon 4:53PM (4/02/2009)
that was a good, informative read, at least for me.
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occ 5:08PM (4/02/2009)
That was a good read. It makes you hope that Chrysler survives, if only for the sake of affordable EV future for the masses.
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contact 6:34PM (4/02/2009)
If Chrysler wants to do ANYTHING in the EV market it will have to be with that sportscar at a $40k price tag. Otherwise they can hang up their hat.
If they think bringing out a hybrid Jeep Wrangler or Town and Country minivan will spur sales they are dumber than I imagined. In NO WAY will a hybrid minivan or jeep boost their bottom line.
However, match the price of the volt in a sports car package and you've got a SERIOUS hot item on your hands.
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MemphisNET 7:45PM (4/02/2009)
I'm sorry but I completely disagree. The last thing they need to worry about is a low-volume sports car. SUV's and Minivans IS what they should be focusing on for ultra-efficiency. These are bread and butter machines for them, and there are far more people in the market for a family hauler than a low-slung corner carver.
Circuit - Technology showcase
T&C/Patroit - Sales
While they're at it, get the 2Mode into the LX cars. The volume wont be there, but it will bring the tech costs and raise their CAFE ratings.
scammer-killer 9:17PM (4/02/2009)
ugh, I know as a CONSUMER that I would NEVER buy a chrysler/jeep product but I would EASILY hand over $40k for that lotus knock-off. I bet I could find more people willing to do the same. However, asking these people to buy a hybrid mini-van would result in an immediate kick to the nuts.
jake 6:44PM (4/02/2009)
Interesting read. I wish them success, the more EVs coming out the better, even though the situation doesn't look good for them.
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jmhm2003 9:12PM (4/02/2009)
In production by 2010. That's rich.
Chrysler will be chapter 7 in 26 days.
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Peet 10:14PM (4/02/2009)
Too bad, really. I quite like the Circuit, and my pappy would like that Patriot, seeing as he's got a 3.7L Liberty now... thirsty little SUVlet
Snowdog 7:47PM (4/02/2009)
Chrysler doesn't have any magic formula to cheaper EVs. In fact the Circuit pictured above and repeatedly discussed in the article is a (not even disguised) Lotus Europa.
In fact a previous article I read said Lotus also did the drivetrain build as well.
Chrysler stuck the badges on it. Built with a more expensive Lotus than the Tesla and with more expensive batteries, this would certainly exceed the price of a Tesla if it were actually built in some parallel universe.
But in this universe, this is nothing but death twitching bailout bait. Hopefully in 28 days or so, they drive the final stake through the walking corpse that is Chrysler. It's odd twitchings are starting to get annoying.
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BlackbirdHighway 7:30AM (4/03/2009)
I don't think Chrysler will be making any cars in 2010 unless they have a Fiat nameplate and even that is unlikely.
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MikeInNC 8:26AM (4/03/2009)
To be honest, I can't wait for the Fiat's to arrive. A 500 Abarth please!
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Rick 2:52PM (4/03/2009)
How in the hell can someone write an article on Chrysler and EVs and NOT show/discuss the 200c!?!!?!?
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