If you’ve read our stores on either the Jeep Patriot EV or Dodge Circuit EV, you’ve probably detected a faint hint of cynicism related to whether or not Chrysler will ever actually bring any of these to market, much less by 2010 as they’ve promised Congress. Now, they're saying they'll have four EVs on market by 2013. That sounds like a big challenge.

If they do manage to sell or, more likely, lease one of these by then, it’ll most likely cost way too much money and be based on the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV or Chrysler Town & Country EV. Those three use a Chevy Volt-like range extended electric vehicle setup (i.e. they’re hybrids powering the wheels through the batteries, but can recharge those through an on-board gas engine). That eliminates range issues, but not development costs and time, which are still major hurdles if the very public Volt program is any indicator.

All five press releases follow:

Chrysler ENVI – Plugged into the World

Company Broadens its Production-intent Electric-vehicle Portfolio

• Chrysler ENVI inspires a personal mobility revolution, delivering clean, environmentally responsible, no-compromise electric vehicles
• Jeep® Patriot EV expands potential electric-drive vehicle offerings
• Four distinct vehicle platforms demonstrate extent of electric-drive offerings from Chrysler LLC
• First Chrysler electric vehicle to be produced in 2010; three additional models in production by 2013

With its rapidly growing portfolio of ENVI-powered electric vehicles, Chrysler LLC is inspiring a personal mobility revolution, creating a new generation of responsible, no-compromise Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles for consumers who care about the planet’s future and want to take care of it.

Chrysler recently introduced three advanced electric-vehicle prototypes, while expressing its intention to broaden its all-electric and Range-extended Electric Vehicle 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 another new electric vehicle – 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.

“Chrysler’s broad portfolio of electric vehicle prototypes clearly demonstrates that we are well on our way to bringing electric vehicles to our consumers’ garages,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “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.”

Between its ENVI electric-drive vehicles and GEM neighborhood electric vehicles, Chrysler expects to have 500,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2013.

The new Jeep Patriot EV combines ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle drive system with the industry’s most capable compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV). Like all Chrysler Range-extended Electric Vehicles, the Patriot EV uses an integrated small-displacement engine and electric generator to produce additional electricity to power the electric-drive system when needed.

Dodge showcases a new version of its all-electric sports car: the Dodge Circuit EV. Featuring new fearless Dodge front and rear designs and a new Dodge interior, the Dodge Circuit EV boasts a range of 150-200 miles with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

The combination of capability and fuel efficiency is demonstrated in the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV. A Range-extended Electric Vehicle, the Wrangler Unlimited EV provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle from the iconic Jeep brand.

Chrysler rounds out its current electric-vehicle portfolio with the Chrysler Town & Country EV – the perfect fuel-efficient family vehicle. It, too, delivers 40 miles of all-electric range – 400 total – without sacrificing the significant convenience and utility of Chrysler’s award-winning minivan.

Chrysler ENVI

The development of Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles is led by ENVI – representing the first four letters of “environmental” – the Company’s in-house organization that was formed in late 2007 to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies.

ENVI is an empowered, cross-functional, nimble team that can move quickly and has access to the vast resources within Chrysler to allow rapid proliferation of electric-drive vehicles.

“ENVI is quickly bringing electric vehicles to market, completely changing the game for our customers,” said Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI, and Vice President – Advance Vehicle Engineering. “Chrysler’s ENVI-powered electric vehicles will allow consumers to move away from their reliance on fuel stations and traditional maintenance, and instead enjoy a new, more socially responsible level of performance – instant torque, quietness, smoothness and efficiency – that today’s internal combustion engine vehicles can’t offer.

“ENVI harnesses the promise of electric vehicles, but takes it further,” Rhodes added. “By working with electric utilities and with battery manufacturers, we are developing a seamless approach to electric-vehicle ownership – an approach that will soon allow consumers to move brilliantly forward in an environmentally friendly, intuitive mobility package.”

ENVI’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles will significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions.

Chrysler will apply its ENVI electric-drive technology to each of its brands, and to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms.

“As demonstrated with our lineup of ENVI electric-vehicle prototypes, Chrysler is quickly moving toward using electricity to power the bold performance of Dodge vehicles, the versatility and capability of Jeep vehicles, and the comfort and functionality of Chrysler vehicles,” Rhodes said.

Chrysler’s All-electric Vehicle Technology

Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

“ENVI Electric Vehicle technology will provide customers with vehicles that achieve zero tailpipe emissions and a 150 to 200 mile driving range,” Rhodes said. “This far exceeds most Americans’ daily commutes, as nearly 80 percent of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day, or 14,000 miles per year.

“Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire,” Rhodes added.

The result of ENVI’s Electric Vehicle technology is a completely new driving experience that delivers instantaneous acceleration and responsiveness. The electric-drive technology enables a new standard of quiet, smooth and efficient operation.

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.

Chrysler’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology

The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the ENVI Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles – with no compromises in performance.

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.

Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility.

The recharging process and time for a Range-extended Electric Vehicle is the same as an all-electric vehicle, using either a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet.

Chrysler Town & Country EV

• Chrysler Town & Country EV: The perfect fuel-efficient family vehicle
• Range-extended powertrain delivers exceptional fuel economy, minimal environmental impact and the same seven-passenger capability

The Chrysler Town & Country EV is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that demonstrates another possible application of ENVI electric-drive technology.

“Twenty-five years ago, Chrysler invented the minivan,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “And now, with ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle powertrain, Chrysler is reinventing America’s favorite minivan.”

The Chrysler Town & Country EV combines the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with an integrated small-displacement engine and generator to produce additional electricity to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides all of the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle and extends the driving range to be equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles – without compromises.

The Chrysler Town & Country EV uses a 200 kW (268 horsepower) motor, producing 350 N·m (258 lb.-ft.) of torque. The Chrysler EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle can drive 40 miles on all-electric power, and boasts a range of 400 miles. This makes the Chrysler EV the perfect fuel-efficient family vehicle.

An all-new Liquid Graphite Pearl exterior is featured on the Chrysler Town & Country EV, which wears new, large “EV” graphics on both sides of the vehicle.

Chrysler Town & Country EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle,
7-passenger minivan

Weight and Dimensions
Length 202.5 inches / 5144 mm
Width 76.5 inches / 1943 mm
Height 71.4 inches / 1814 mm
Wheelbase 121.2 inches / 3079 mm
Track front / rear 65.5 inches / 1664 mm 64.8 inches / 1646 mm
Turn circle 38 feet / 11.6 m

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Front-wheel drive
Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - McPherson strut
Rear - Beam axle
Range extender SULEV gasoline engine and electric generator
Continuous electric power: 70 kW (94 hp)

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P225 / 65R17 28.5 inches / 724 mm
Tire size rear P225 / 65R17 28.5 inches / 724 mm

Color Scheme
Exterior Liquid Graphite Pearl
Interior Medium Slate Gray

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) approximately 8 seconds
Standing _-mile low-16 seconds
Top speed more than 100 mph (approximately 161 kph)
All-electric range 40 miles (approximately 64 km)
Total driving range up to 400 miles (approximately 644 km)

Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited EV

• Allows customers to roam the planet and take care of it at the same time
• 40 miles of all-electric, zero gasoline consumption operation and a 400-mile total driving range

The Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited EV is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle with renowned Jeep Wrangler capability.

“One of our goals at ENVI is to develop electric-drive solutions for every segment and for every customer,” said Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI, and Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler LLC. “An electric-drive Jeep Wrangler brings ultimate fuel efficiency and ultra-clean transportation to a market segment whose consumers want to explore the environment to the fullest.”

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV prototype is a two-wheel drive Wrangler. However, Chrysler’s ENVI organization is exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of the Company’s advanced electric-drive technologies. When this technology is developed by ENVI, the instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently will result in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road capability.

The Wrangler Unlimited EV also uses an ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle powertrain, consisting of an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. The electric motor produces 200 kW (268 horsepower) and 400 N·m (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior color, integrating full body-side “EV” graphics.

Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle,
5-passenger SUV

Weight and Dimensions
Length 184.4 inches / 4684 mm
Width 68.6 inches / 1743 mm
Height 72.3 inches / 1836 mm
Wheelbase 116.0 inches / 2946 mm
Front overhang 28.3 inches / 719 mm
Rear overhang 40.1 inches / 1019 mm
Track front / rear 61.9 inches / 1572 mm 61.9 inches / 1572 mm
Approach angle 44.4 degrees
Departure angle 40.5 degrees
Turn circle 41.2 feet / 12.6 m

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - Solid axle
Rear - Solid axle
Range extender SULEV gasoline engine and electric generator
Continuous electric power: 70 kW (94 hp)
Color Scheme
Exterior ENVI Green Pearl
Interior Dark Slate Gray

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) approximately 9 seconds
Standing _-mile mid-16 seconds
Top speed greater than 90 mph (approximately 145 kph)
All-electric range 40 miles (approximately 64 km)
Total driving range up to 400 miles (approximately 644 km)

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P255 / 70R18 32.1 inches / 814 mm
Tire size rear P255 / 70R18 32.1 inches / 814 mm

Jeep® Patriot EV

• Chrysler’s ENVI electric-vehicle technology meets industry’s most capable compact SUV
• 400-mile total driving range
• 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions

Jeep® Patriot EV joins the growing portfolio of electric-drive vehicles being developed by Chrysler LLC.

As a Range-extended Electric Vehicle, the Jeep Patriot EV combines the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles.

“The Jeep Patriot EV expands our portfolio of ENVI electric-drive vehicles and is just one more example of what is possible through the technology Chrysler is developing,” said Lou Rhodes, President, – ENVI, and Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler LLC. “Moreover, the Patriot EV provides socially responsible, advanced electric technology in the industry’s most capable compact SUV.”

The Jeep Patriot EV features a refined and clean front appearance to match the refined and clean powertrain. The signature Jeep grille features vertical accents, and the front fascia is a separate component to help set the grille apart. The use of body-color paint, blended with matte black B- and C-pillars, visually creates a smooth and elongated profile.

The unique wheel design and size gives the Jeep Patriot EV a wide stance which combines with the paint treatment to produce a sporty form. The interior of the Jeep Patriot EV features all of the elements introduced in the refreshed 2009 Jeep Patriot.

The Jeep Patriot EV uses an electric-drive motor, advanced lithium-ion battery system and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. Range-extended Electric Vehicles provide customers a no-compromise means of dramatically reducing their gasoline use and carbon footprint. The Jeep Patriot EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

The Jeep Patriot EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior with a prominent “EV” graphic adorning both sides – top-to-bottom – of the vehicle.

Jeep® Patriot EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle,
5-passenger SUV

Weight and Dimensions
Length 173.6 inches / 4409 mm
Width 69.1 inches / 1755 mm
Height 65.7 inches / 1669mm
Wheelbase 103.7 inches / 2634 mm
Front overhang 34.8 inches / 883.9 mm
Rear overhang 35.1 inches / 892 mm
Track front / rear 59.8 inches / 1519 mm 59.8 inches / 1519 mm
Approach angle 27.5 degrees
Departure angle 31.4 degrees
Turn circle 35.6 feet / 10.85 m

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Front-wheel drive
Motor Power: 150 kW (200 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - McPherson strut
Rear - Independent
Range extender SULEV gasoline engine and electric generator
Continuous electric power: 45 kW (60 hp)
Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P245 / 45R20 28.7 inches / 728 mm
Tire size rear P245 / 45R20 28.7 inches / 728 mm

Color Scheme
Exterior ENVI Green Pearl
Interior Dark Slate Gray

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) approximately 8 seconds
Standing _-mile low-16 seconds
Top speed greater than 100 mph (approximately 161 kph)
All-electric range 40 miles (approximately 64 km)
Total driving range up to 400 miles (approximately 644 km)

Dodge Circuit EV

• Dodge Circuit EV: Brand new version of all-electric sports car boasts unique, fearless Dodge design
• All-electric vehicle delivers sports car performance with zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and 150-200 mile driving range

The Dodge Circuit EV displays bold exterior and interior styling with outstanding performance, zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

The Dodge Circuit EV design screams pure sports car from every angle. The Dodge Circuit EV’s profile demonstrates perfect proportions for balanced handling, placing the driver and passenger midway along the wheelbase. At the front of the vehicle, the distinctive Dodge crosshair grille splits the wind, sending it over the long, low hood and cleanly over the windshield and cockpit. The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish.

“The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment.”

The Dodge Circuit EV is adorned in all-new “Tangoreen” exterior color, wearing large “EV” graphics on both sides of the sports car.

The uncomplicated interior of the Dodge Circuit EV delivers a combination of pure function and athletic refinement. The cockpit design puts complete control of the car at the driver’s fingertips. Nestled within a leather-covered instrument cluster are two primary analog-face gauges. A digital display conveys information regarding the electric-drive system.

The seats feature deep bolsters and are covered in premium leather. The same premium leather covers the center console and the width of the instrument panel.

The Dodge Circuit EV delivers all of the convenience features of a performance sports car, including premium sound system, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, speed control.

Propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV posts impressive performance numbers:

• 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds
• _-mile in 13 seconds
• Top speed of more than 120 mph

Perhaps the most impressive Dodge Circuit EV number, however, is zero. That’s how much gasoline the vehicle consumes while providing exhilarating sports car performance. It’s also how much tailpipe emissions are produced.

The Dodge Circuit EV utilizes just three powertrain components. These include a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of 150 to 200 miles between charges – 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. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

The Dodge Circuit EV offers driving enthusiasts a performance sports car that can be driven to work every day – without consuming gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.

Dodge Circuit EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Battery Electric Vehicle,
2-passenger performance coupe

Weight and Dimensions
Length 153.5 inches / 3900 mm
Width 67.5 inches / 1714 mm
Height 45.3 inches / 1150 mm
Wheelbase 91.7 inches / 2330 mm
Track front / rear 57.4 inches / 1457 mm 58.7 inches / 1490 mm
Turn circle 38.0 feet / 11.6 m

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - Independent
Rear - Independent

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P195 / 45ZR17 23.9 inches / 607 mm
Tire size rear P235 / 40ZR18 25.4 inches / 645 mm

Color Scheme
Exterior Tangoreen
Interior Black Leather with Satin Silver accents

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) less than 5 seconds
Standing _-mile low-13 seconds
Top speed greater than 120 mph (approximately 193 kph)
All-electric range 150-200 miles (approximately 241-322 km)

Battery storage capacity is measured in watt-hours, more or less the total amount of energy used over time. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is simply a thousand watt-hours and this is what's used to measure big batteries, the kind used in modern hybrids.The Chevy Volt uses a 16 kWh battery and only really functions within a range of 50-80% charge in order to extend battery life.

In the figures Chrysler published to go along with the Chrysler EV, the hybridized minivan is equipped with a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery which operates at 200 kW and up to 410 volts — considerably larger than the electric fuel tank in the Volt. The big battery gets it to the 40-mile range, but the exciting part is the electric motor. Clocking in at 268 HP with a whopping 480 lb-ft of torque, the minivan will hustle to sixty in a silly 8.7 seconds. Keep in mind these are Chrysler numbers on an as-yet not approved for production vehicle, so take them all with a grain of salt.

The Jeep EV, in comparison, holds a massive 27 kWh; since the Wrangler has the aerodynamics of a brick and its system powers all four wheels, the bigger battery is necessary when compared to the minivan in order to hit 40 miles of EV range. To be honest, we're a bit perplexed by the choice of motor to compliment that monster battery. The Jeep keeps the same 268 HP, but for some reason torque comes in at a considerably less impressive 295 lb-ft. Zero to 60 takes around nine seconds, but still, we'd be more interested in that huge 480 lb-ft of torque from the minivan in the Jeep.

In any case, the reason the Chryslers match the Volt in range is that they're great big platforms with plenty of room for great big batteries. If either of the two actually hit production it would be a huge deal, and given the amount of development work that seems to have gone into the ENVI system so far, it would be shocking if a hybridized something didn't come out of the program. [Information from Chrysler.com]

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 23, 2008 - Actions speak louder than words.

Chrysler LLC announced today 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 here today, Chrysler revealed its electric-drive prototypes – Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV – and demonstrated the driving performance and capability of each.

“We have a social responsibility to our consumers to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and our intention is to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO – Chrysler LLC. “The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market.”

ENVI Organization
The development of Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles is led by ENVI – representing the first four letters of “environmental” – the Company’s in-house organization that was formed to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies. The development of electric-drive systems for future Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles is maturing quickly.

“ENVI was created just over one year ago with the strategic intent to develop electric-drive vehicles quickly for Chrysler, and it is surpassing expectations,” said Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President – Chrysler LLC. “With ENVI, Chrysler is developing technology to bring Electric Vehicles and extremely fuel-efficient Range-extended Electric Vehicles to market.”

Electric Vehicle Technology
Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor and a controller that manages energy flow. The electric-drive system is being developed for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicle applications.

“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 fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire.”

Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology
The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles – with no compromises in performance.

Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility.

Jeep EV
The Jeep EV development vehicle is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle with renowned Jeep Wrangler capability.

The Jeep EV combines Wrangler’s unmatched off-road capability with the ultimate “Tread Lightly” mindset by providing nature ambassadors with the ability to roam the planet and take care of it at the same time.

The Jeep EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle uses an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. The 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor generates 400 N•m (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. With approximately eight gallons of gasoline, the Jeep EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

“We are also exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of ENVI’s advanced electric-drive technologies,” said Rhodes.

The instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently results in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road driving capability.

Chrysler LLC Electric-vehicle Consumer Web Site
Chrysler LLC has launched a Web site – www.Chryslergoeselectric.com – to allow consumers to view the latest updates on Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles from the Company. Content will include videos, photography and news, and visitors can sign up for updates. In addition, the site features a blog where consumers can interact directly with the Company.

Department of Energy Cooperative Agreement
Chrysler and General Electric are jointly pursuing a project with the United States Department of Energy to explore advanced energy-storage technology.

“Chrysler’s partnership with General Electric combines the electric-drive technology demonstrated in the Chrysler Electric Vehicles, with GE’s research and development of advanced energy storage systems,” said Klegon. “Our collective goal working with the DOE is to develop a new, integrated energy-storage system to make electric vehicle battery packs smaller and significantly less expensive than current designs.”

Chrysler and GE will develop and evaluate dual-battery solutions based on GE’s unique technology.

“One of the challenges with electric vehicles is finding a battery with the correct balance between power – for example, during vehicle acceleration – and energy for long driving range,” said Klegon. “We believe that combining two unique battery chemistries – one biased toward power and the other toward energy – into a single battery pack is very promising for a future Chrysler Electric Vehicle.”

[Chrysler]