Chrysler's first EV will be the Dodge Circuit
by Domenick Yoney on Apr 16th 2009 at 3:31PM 
Click above for a hi-res Gallery of the Dodge Circuit EV
It looks like the Dodge Circuit EV may have won the "who wants to be the first electric Chrysler concept to go into production" contest. Although they still haven't officially made an announcement, Chrysler's viability plan did list an "EV Roadster" as part of their 2010 product line. Based on the lightweight Lotus Europa and using drivetrain parts pilfered from UQM, the concept drew some fairly positive responses when it took on the new Dodge Challenger in an impromptu drag race and later, when it got its crosshair makeover. Its 150 to 200 mile range is significantly higher than many other electric vehicles in the works and should add to its appeal.
While the market may be smaller for a sub-5 second 0-to-60 sportscar than say, the family-sized range-extended 200C EV concept, development costs are substantially less and, while it will still lose the money, it won't lose as much as their other electric concepts. It also gives them a niche the other major automakers won't be able to compete in for some time and a way to meet stricter Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Since the Circuit will probably change somewhat as it makes the transition to a production vehicle, tell us in the comments section what you would like to see in the sales-floor version.
Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Circuit EV
Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV
[Source: CNN Money]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
ShaunneyCakes 4:10PM (4/16/2009)
YES!!! This is exactly what America needs! Another $90,000+ EV which only 5-7% of the public cab afford!
Reply
Leviat 4:18PM (4/16/2009)
+1 Agreed. I understand that batteries are expensive, but at what point can we expect the average consumer to be able to afford an electric car thats
BoneHeadOtto 1:34AM (4/17/2009)
Far far less than 5-7% can afford a $90k car
chispito 2:32PM (4/17/2009)
They need to get experience developing and producing EVs somehow, and this is the way that loses them the least money.
igotzzoom 4:23PM (4/16/2009)
Price needs to be below $50,000 for it to be truly successful.
Reply
ginitro 7:48AM (4/17/2009)
And needs new headlights.
Stew 4:29PM (4/16/2009)
I so desperately want an EV for my daily commute, which is, unfortuantely, around 110 miles. I don't want a boy racer car with 0-60 times that will make my car insurance as high as the car payment.
I want the 150 mile range in a hiway capable car that's a normal kind of commuter car. Something like Ford focus, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent, etc, etc. I don't care if it's 2-door or 4-door, sedan or hatchback, just give me a normal looking EV.
Please stop with all the concepts already, and the daily 'Forward looking press releases' from all the companies. The EV Ford Focus that has been shown here is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Is it really that difficult to make this? You already have the complete car, stick an EV drive train in it and start selling it!
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BoneHeadOtto 1:35AM (4/17/2009)
I think your options are, wait 5 years then spend $50k or move closer to work!!!!!!
jharlan 4:39PM (4/16/2009)
It looks like it wants to be a Tesla. TOO LATE!! Quite a business plan, to develop cars on the basis of which ones will lose the least money. No wonder they are in trouble. I think their competitors (with the exception of GM, who plans to lose money on the Volt) have their sights on making a good old fashioned dirty rotten capitalistic profit. What a concept!!
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Chris M 4:59PM (4/16/2009)
I'm betting that the marketing plan is to sell to those who want a high performance EV, but who can't quite afford a Tesla Roadster. There are quite a few who would accept a slightly slower acceleration and somewhat shorter driving range like this to save $15,000 or more on the purchase price.
I had predicted that the Dodge EV would be first, because the development is further along, and it would create quite a buzz. But in the long run, the Chrysler 200C is likely to sell in far greater numbers, assuming they can finish development and start production. They could take a shortcut and speed up development on the 200C if they licensed some technology from GM, or made some sort of joint development deal.
harlanx6 9:15PM (4/16/2009)
Chris M, you seem to know your stuff. Thanks.
moogy 4:49PM (4/16/2009)
They are not making EV for helping the environment or give us an alternative...
They are making an EV to make MONEY of the BUZZ.
Capitalism at it's best.
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Richard in FLA 5:16PM (4/16/2009)
Why don't you make a car for $5000 and take the hit. I'll be the first to buy it big boy. That's an Ignorant statement, you communist. In America we believe you should pay for your own way, not the government.
moogy 6:33PM (4/16/2009)
I'm not sure who is the ignorant one now
DJ 4:51PM (4/16/2009)
Yeah, this looks like another Tesla clone. :-/
But considering that Chrysler is barely staying afloat, it is hard to criticize them for starting with the most profitable sector.
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chuck 3:24PM (4/17/2009)
Considering the Tesla is awesome, why is it bad to be a Tesla clone?
tush 5:01PM (4/16/2009)
Let's see what else we can name electric cars.
- Volt
- Ampera
- Circuit
- Joule
- Resistance
- Electron
- Capacitor
- Semiconductor
- Ohm
- Farad
Reply
Dutch 5:36PM (4/16/2009)
Jolt
Zap
Current
blah, blah, blah...
Doesn't the fact that Tesla (who has actually put Lotus-like roadsters on the road) is now making a sedan say anything to the big guys?
If you want market differentiation, make the Jeep Wrangler EV!
Larz 5:26PM (4/16/2009)
Buzz, Zot, Snapcracklepop, Sizzle, Tingle, Ionus, Electron, Charger, Discharge,
Bolt, Firestorm, Hotflash.
edzy 5:41PM (4/16/2009)
The :
Coil
track light
Beam
florescent
shock
static
Blackout
Brownout
High Bill
Lumen
Watt ??