Chrysler LLC announced that the Company and its ENVI organization have new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicles - one for each of its brands, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.
Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.
The Company said that it is well into the development of advanced, production-intent electric vehicles, and that it will apply electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years.
At its World Headquarters Chrysler revealed its electric-drive prototypes - Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV - and demonstrated the driving performance and capability of each.
The Dodge EV development Electric Vehicle is a two-passenger, rear-wheel-drive sports car that marries high performance with zero tailpipe emissions.
"The Dodge EV sets a new standard for what can be expected in electric-drive vehicles," said Lou Rhodes, Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering, and President - ENVI. "The electric-vehicle technology enables a fun-to-drive performance sports car and helps redefine the vision of an environmentally responsible vehicle for the Dodge brand."
The electric-drive system consists of three primary components: a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery and an integrated power controller.
The 200 kW electric-drive motor generates 650 N-m (480 lb.-ft.) of torque. The instant high torque of the electric-drive motor delivers outstanding performance, accelerating the Dodge EV to 60 mph in less than five seconds, with quarter-mile times of 13 seconds. The Dodge EV has a top speed of more than 120 mph.
Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge EV has a continuous driving range of 150 to 200 miles - more than triple the average daily commute of most consumers. Recharging the vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet for eight hours. The recharge time can be cut in half to four hours by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.
The Dodge EV offers driving enthusiasts a performance sports car that can be driven to work every day - without consuming gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.
Company press release, last updated on 09 / 25 / 2008
This early version of the EV is definitely based directly off of the new model Lotus Europa. Almost everything is exactly the same, including the grille, the hood vent, the wheels, the side view mirrors, the lights, and the whole body in general. Don't believe me? Just look up the Lotus Europa S page and look at the two side by side.
Definatly based on the Europa Chassis
PiDstr 09-26-2008
I'd park that next to my '66 Valiant, no probs.
It's definatly from the Lotus gene pool, and so it the 'Tesla' EV, which is based on the Elise customer chassis.
Given the same chassis supplier, and the same type of running gear as the Tesla, I wonder if there's any link between Tesla and Chrysler ??
Europa anyone?
manlas 09-25-2008
Maybe its just me but it looks too much like the Lotus Europa, heck it doesn't even have the distinctive cross grill that has become Dodge's trademark look