Chrysler LLC today presented electric versions of the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler along with a Dodge branded sportscar based on the Lotus Europa. Chrysler intends to have 100 of these vehicles on the road next year with the Government set to be the main beneficiary before full production commences in 2010 for consumers in the North American and European markets. The technology combines an electric motor that drives the wheels along with an advanced lithium-ion battery system and a controller that manages energy flow.
“This technology provides customers with a vehicle that has zero tailpipe emissions and a 150- to 200-mile driving range – far exceeding most Americans’ daily commutes, as nearly 80 percent of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day, or 14,000 miles per year,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfil social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire.”
The most impressive drivetrain is featured in the Dodge EV, the 268 horsepower (200kW) electric motor generates a massive 600Nm (442lb-ft) of torque. It allows the model to launch from zero to 60mph in less than 5 seconds until it reaches a top speed of 120mph, its quarter mile time sits below 13 seconds. Charging can be done from a typical 220-volt or 110-volt household socket which will charge the vehicle in four hours and eight hours respectively, it ultimately gives the Dodge EV a driving range of up to 200 miles.
Moving up a level to the Jeep Wrangler, the same 268 horsepower electric motor is found with an output of 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque. It is combined with a small gasoline engine to give the model an uninterrupted driving range of 400 miles, with 40 of these miles achieved through zero emission electric only operation.
The Chrysler EV based on the Town & Country possesses a slightly less powerful electric motor with an output of 255 horsepower (190kW) and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in under nine seconds and boasts an driving range of 400 miles on only eight gallons of fuel – that equates to a fuel consumption figure of 50mpg.
