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Taking the Wraps Off the Chrysler EV Electric Vehicles

by Mike Ellis

January 11, 2009 2:56 PM

You didn't have to be one of the thousands of automotive reporters who braved six inches of snow to get to the Chrysler press conference at the Detroit auto show - we've got the highlights here. It was frigid outside, but inside Cobo Center in Detroit, it was electric. Chrysler showed off five ENVI electric-drive vehicles, demonstrating the Company's commitment to a green future.

Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, introduced the Dodge Circuit EV and the all-new Jeep Patriot EV, while Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, showed off the Chrysler 200C EV concept.

One of these five vehicles will go on sale in North America in 2010, with at least three more models to follow by 2013. Between these ENVI electric-drive vehicles and the GEM neighborhood electric vehicles, Chrysler expects to have 500,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2013. The ENVI electric vehicles and range-extended electric vehicles will significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions. Chrysler will apply its ENVI electric-drive technology to each of its three brands, and to its front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel drive platforms. So there will be an ENVI electric-drive vehicle to suit all needs.

Tags: Product Passion , Powertrains , Jeep brand , Innovation , Going Green , Fuel Economy , ENVI , Chrysler , Auto Shows , Dodge

Comments [14]

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14 Comments

moparnorm Jan 12, 2009, 7:28 AM

The only problem I have with these three new products, is that they are called concepts. Get them to market as soon as possible and don't wait for the traditional model year to start.

KawikaTi Jan 12, 2009, 7:28 AM

Built it and they (and I) will come.

Ray Krause Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

Nice

kengrubb Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

Here's keeping my fingers crossed hoping all the pain at the pump of $4 and $5 a gallon gas will remain in the minds of consumers. But I fear that when the economy turns around, this will have all been a distraction and we'll sadly return to the bad old days of EscaMerSion SUV hogs. The Tahoe hybrid and Durango hybrid don't give me a warm feeling that Detroit has really changed anything other than the arrangement of the deck chairs. And I smell ice in the water.

JR Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

Nice move!

If by 2010 Chrysler could substitute the ugly, plastic brothers Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger by this brilliant looking REAR WEAL DRIVE 200C sedan and also develop an "estate" or, how they call it nowadays, "sport back" version with small but very fast diesel engine and all weal drive option for Europe, Chrysler would be back on road again.

Now Chrysler needs only to develop a Volkswagen Golf size small but good looking and quality built Chrysler 100C sedan with REAR WEAL DRIVE. On the same platform also the new Chrysler Crosfire could be built.

Robert Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

I love the new 200! Please build it. We need Chrysler products now. Why don't you come out with a "Buy American" campaign? You need a strong salesman like IACOCCA pitching the product telling America, "If you can find a better car, buy it!" Then back it up with one hell of a warranty as Lee did.

Robert Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

Just read in the Wall Street Journal, "It's unclear, however, whether the 200C will ever hit the road. Chrysler executives said the company hasn't yet decided whether to produce the vehicle and gave no timeline for when they might make a decision, either." Guys, if the electric is not ready, simply drop a gasoline engine in it and start production immediately. Please! Believe me, that car will sell!

Henri Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

Please, built a new car soon. We need to hear something good about chrysler (something else that the loan). A new 200C (like the concept would be great) is the best way to get out of this mess. And of course the new 300C. You showed you can do great product, so just do them. A french chrysler LLC fan!

ricku Jan 13, 2009, 7:34 AM

The 200-c is drop dead gorgeous. It's what the Sebring should have been. You need to bring that car out with both conventional and ENVI powertrains NOW !! 2013 will be too late.

DodgeStratus Jan 13, 2009, 12:40 PM

This is an awesome looking car. Keep the 200C name and build it. This 200C needs to be offered in the US as a gas, diesel or electric model.

DaveHB Jan 14, 2009, 7:51 AM

You guys need to step it up! My lease on my 2008 T&C is up in August 2010 and I want to get a 200C EV. The 200C EV's technology is EXACTLY what I need. I own a small business and work out of my home. I do a great deal of driving around town, but when I do highway driving, it's usually long-distance. The 200C EV is perfect! The industry is taking far too long to get these cars on the road. I've owned a Cirrus, Sebring, Pacifica and now the T&C. I would very much like to continue as a customer of Chrysler but there's just nothing in your lineup any longer that fits what I need. I'd rather not get a Volt or a Fusion hybrid, as I'm not keen on their looks. So, get on the ball and get these cars ready to go! Ever since this car was unveiled there has been nothing but shouts and screams to get it built! Please build it!! Thanks!