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Battery Supplier for ENVI Vehicles Named

by Ed Garsten

April 6, 2009 8:45 AM

Chrysler announced today it's signed an agreement with A123Systems for it to produce batteries that will power Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® electric vehicles, developed by our ENVI unit.

The Nanophosphate LIthium ion prismatic battery cells will be produced at a facility A123Systems plans to build in Michigan.

The heart of ENVI’s battery system is a scalable battery module, as demonstrated in ENVI’s five electric-drive vehicles showcased at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five vehicles included the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep® Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Chrysler 200C EV concept. At the reveal, Chrysler announced its intention to bring the company’s first production electric vehicle to market in 2010.

Individual lithium ion prismatic cells are integrated with a proprietary battery management safety system to create an efficient and flexible energy storage solution. This strategy is integrated in all of Chrysler’s upcoming electric-drive vehicles, helping increase production volumes of the shared battery cell and shared battery module. Chrysler’s approach reduces development time, investment, and overall battery system cost by combining the economics of high-volume component sharing without sacrificing the battery pack flexibility needed to develop a wide range of customer-driven electric-drive vehicles.

Tags: Alternative Fuels , ENVI , Fuel Economy , Engineering , Going Green

Comments [7]

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7 Comments

tim wheeler Apr 7, 2009, 8:42 AM

That's great that a supplier is selected, but what I want to know is which concept is going to be built and what is the price for me? Or is chrysler going to simply convert three existing models while still on the production line and get them to market faster and produce the others afap? Not trying to presure you folks but I'd appriciate a time frame to save for my 200C( hint, hint, ;-) ) That's one gorgious car. By the way, would my adding solar harm the power cells in any way?

tim wheeler Apr 7, 2009, 8:42 AM

Just for clairification, I've got a 12v panel I plug into the cigarette lighter to keep my car batt. topped off. Would it harm the envi syst. if I were to use it in the same way. I work nights so charging during peak hours is costly. I don't mind constructing some type of charge station to take the slack off, I just need some paliminary info to plan and prep. Thanks in advance for any help. Tim.

HotCarNut Apr 8, 2009, 8:33 PM

No official word has come out yet, but Chrysler's plan that went to the federal government had a chart that showed vehicle introductions over the next 5 years. The ENVI roadster apparently is the first ENVI vehicle destined for production. It's based on a Lotus chassis and is all electric in the concept version. I would think for production that Chrysler would go the extended-range route with a backup generator and fuel tank on board, but you never know. Tesla seems to be doing just fine without it.

Henri Apr 8, 2009, 8:33 PM

You abolutely need to build the 200C with an interior equal to the Audi. But forget the circuit, it won't be a hit: too small and it's just a lotus, it doesn't have the dodge DNA. Henri KERN

PlumKrz70 Apr 8, 2009, 8:33 PM

This is great news! I hope Chrysler can secure the necessary funding to make this project become a reality by 2010. I'll be the first in line to purchase one, especially if it's the Dodge Circuit! In the meantime, I wish Chrysler would taught there MDS system on the Hemi. No one knows it exists, especially on the new Ram pickup. Everyone hears the word Hemi and assumes you get 10 MPG at best. My friends at work that own Toyotas and Nissans, can't believe that my 2007 Charger Daytona gets 25 mpg on the highway. Have been and always will be a loyal Chrysler owner!

JustWondering Apr 16, 2009, 9:34 AM

Wouldn't the Dodge Circuit EV be more appropriately named the Dodge "Charger"?

Atheling Apr 17, 2009, 10:26 AM

Great and long awaited news! Albeit, the company who can bring the most AFFORDABLE car to market first will make a huge win in sales. Japanese have plans to bring $5000 car to market (total electric). I hope and pray that US car makers will not try to deliver $40k cars. Prices and range of products need to be in low to mid-range values $5k - $25k could see great potentials in sales and market percentage lead.