By Drew Johnson
Tuesday, Aug 7th, 2012 @ 11:26 am
 
Chrysler's electric vehicle cupboard may be bare at the moment, but the Auburn Hills-based automaker says it has plans to add electrified vehicle options in the coming years.

Chrysler hasn't offer an electrified vehicle since the Dodge Durango Hybrid went out of production in 2009, but Bob Lee, vice president and head of engine and electrified propulsion engineering, says the company is developing a limited number of electric and hybrid-powered vehicles.

"We do believe in electrification, sparingly and for the right kinds of targeted applications," Lee told Bloomberg. "We're developing technology for commercialization, preparing for the shift when consumers start pulling them into the marketplace."

Although Chrysler doesn't offer any hybrids to retail customers, it is fleet testing plug-in hybrid versions of its Town & Country minivan and Ram pickup truck. However, Chrysler has yet to announce production plans for either vehicle.

Chrysler will, however, begin production of an all-electric version of the Fiat 500 later this year with sales scheduled to commence in early 2013.