Chrysler Aims to Produce Electric Car by 2010

DETROIT – Chrysler recently introduced three advanced electric-vehicle prototypes, while expressing its intention to broaden its all-electric and range-extended electric vehicle (EV) portfolio across its vehicle lineup.

At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the company unveiled updated versions of those vehicles – along with two new electric vehicles – reinforcing a commitment to developing and bringing to market a broad array of advanced electric vehicles for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

Chrysler will produce at least one of these vehicles for North American markets in 2010 (and European markets after 2010), with at least three more models to follow by 2013.

"With our ENVI-powered vehicles, Chrysler's strategy is to deliver customers a wide array of electric vehicles that provide an environmentally friendly, clean, quiet and responsible driving experience," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC.

Between Chrysler's ENV1 – an in-house organization formed in late 2007 focusing on electric drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies – and GEM neighborhood electric vehicles, Chrysler expects to have 500,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2013.

The EV portfolio will include the Chrysler 200C EV concept sports sedan, the new Jeep Patriot EV, the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, and Chrysler Town & Country EV.

 "ENVI harnesses the promise of electric vehicles, but takes it further," said Lou Rhodes, president – ENVI, and vice president – Advance Vehicle Engineering. "By working with electric utilities and with battery manufacturers, we are developing a seamless approach to electric-vehicle ownership." 

ENVI's electric and range-extended electric vehicles will significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions, according to the automaker.

Recharging a Chrysler all-electric vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

ENVI's Range-extended Electric Vehicles can travel 40 miles on battery power alone using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions. A small internal combustion engine and integrated generator produces electricity that extends the range to 400 miles.