Chrysler EVs electrify future product plans

General Motors captured the media spotlight recently with the highly anticipated unveiling of the Chevrolet Volt in production trim. Then, in swooped Chrysler with a "me too" announcement, well-timed to coincide with discussions in Washington, D.C. regarding financial support for the auto industry. Chrysler's shocker was that they have committed to produce an electric-drive vehicle for North America in 2010, with expansion to European markets to follow.

The company has unveiled prototypes of extended-range and pure-electric vehicles to demonstrate the technology applications developed by the in-house ENVI group (short for "environmental"). Simply put, the powertrains consist of an electric motor, lithium-ion battery, and a controller that manages energy flow. As demonstrated by the prototypes, the electric-drive system is being developed for front-, rear-, and four-wheel-drive applications.

Chrysler claims this EV technology could provide 40 miles of pure-electric range in the Town & Country minivan and Jeep Wrangler, with a small gasoline-fueled engine able to extend the range to 400 miles using just eight gallons of gas. The Town & Country has a 255-horsepower-equivalent motor, and a reported 0-60 mph time of nine seconds. The Wrangler has 268 horsepower. Engineers are exploring the use of electric motors for off-roading.

Engineered as a pure electric vehicle, the Dodge EV is a sleek, rear-drive sports car, reminiscent of the Tesla Roadster. The continuous driving range is 150-200 miles, and like the other prototypes, it can be recharged from a 110- or 220-volt outlet. The Dodge has a claimed 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed in excess of 120 mph.

Chrysler has not announced which vehicle it will produce for 2010. As we drive a wide range of green machines during our Future of the Car day, it is clear that a plurality of solutions is on the near horizon, and electricity will play a key role. Keep an eye here on our Cars blog and follow us on Twitter for more news. And join our forum discussion on hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

—Jeff Bartlett