• #chryslerenviprogram

    How Do The Chrysler Hybrids Match The Volt's EV Range?

    When Chrysler dropped its bevy of extended-range electric vehicles in our laps today as part of the company's new ENVI program, we wondered how coincidental it was that Chrysler was claiming the same all-electric range as the much ballyhooed Chevy Volt. The Volt makes concessions to seating and obsessively maximizes aerodynamics to get its 40 mile range, but the Chrysler EV and the Jeep EV both claim 40 miles as well. No funny-shaped center consoles, no wacky aero-trickery, just batteries and electric motors. So what's the deal? Not surprisingly, it's mainly the batteries that make the difference here. More »
  • #jeepev

    Jeep EV: Rock Crawling The Electric Way

    Not content to let the Dodge EV and Chrysler EV hog the electrified-concept spotlight, the Jeep EV makes its debut as well, complete with range-extended electric status and the possibility of monster rock-crawling capabilities. This Jeep Wrangler Unlimited gets a battery pack, an electronics controller, and a 268 HP electric motor with 295 lb-ft of torque, while the big gas engine is subtracted in favor of a fuel-sipping generator. The knee-jerk reaction to an electrically motivated Jeep might be to recoil in horror at the thought, but think about it for a second — maximum torque at zero RPM, a power source unaffected by orientation, and no engine noise to get in the way of your spotter's directions. Okay, the likelihood of hitting the Rubicon Trail with this baby is small, but the idea isn't that far out. Details in the press release below. More »