As if not to be left off the lithium-ion battery bandwagon, Chrysler has announced it will test a fleet of lithium-ion battery hybrid Sprinter vans, in both gasoline and diesel form, later this fall. This news comes on the heels of lithium-ion announcements from Toyota and GM.
The Sprinters’ lithium-ion batteries will be made by Johnson Controls-Saft, a joint venture between Johnson Controls and French battery maker Saft, and it will be their first real-world test. According to Automotive News, as many as 22 Sprinters will be tested in New York and California with an emphasis on safety as well as performance. JCS’s CEO Mary Ann Wright says “she’s confident that JCS’ battery technology is ready for real world driving conditions for safety and reliability.”
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08/09, 3:22 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Tomorrow: Ford’s lithium-ion annoucement.
This is getting to be about those who talk about their plans and all that BS and those who actually do it. A test fleet means almost nothing; its just an indication that Chrysler is just starting the process and won’t have anything for us until long after the others do. Toyota is surprisingly in that category too. If the Volt comes to market and lives up to expectations, GM is (even more surprisinly) second in the lithium-ion game behind Tesla (who’s Roadster will cost $100,000+)
08/09, 6:04 PM
posted by:
04focus
So what happens to the Sprinter now that Chrysler is no longer German-owned?
08/09, 7:49 PM
posted by:
Commodore
The Dodge version remains. I mean the Dodge/Benz versions were both redesigned resently so Chrysler will continue to make them, then once they get old, redesign them again.
08/09, 8:53 PM
posted by:
Deanster
Whatever. Agreed with Commodore. Enough talk. Let them produce, THEN report on it.
08/10, 2:51 AM
posted by:
sunshine1810
Chrysler is once again proving to be on the losing end of the stick. The New Chrysler should be focusing their attention to producing well made reliable cars. They also need to focus their attention on redesigning every model including the Caravan and Sebring.
08/10, 9:30 AM
posted by:
BLISS
MERCEDES-BENZ STILL OWNS 20% OF CHRYSLER….SO ITS POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO CONTINUE WITH SPRINTER VANS.
THE VAN IS REALLY MERCEDES-BENZ, BUT IT WAS REBADGED AS DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET.
08/10, 10:02 AM
posted by:
Karkat
Im happy to see GM is going strong with the Volt project even tho Toyota just dropped the ball. Chrysler and a test fleet? Im sure almost every auto manu has a test fleet. This is just spin, they dont even have a legitimate concept to show.