It’s no secret that Chrysler is lagging behind its major rivals in hybrid and even electric vehicle technologies, but Chrysler co-president Jim Press vows that the Michigan automaker will not be left behind the competition. To prove this to its dealer network, Chrysler will be showing dealers a trio of possible production electric cars beginning later this month.
“We are making substantial progress on electrification of our vehicles,” Press told Automotive News. Details on the three prototypes remain scarce, but it would seem safe to assume that the vehicles are at least loosely based on the Dodge ZEO, Chrysler ecoVoyager and Jeep Renegade concepts shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Press added that Chrysler was eyeing a 300 mile range for the new vehicles.
Just last month it was revealed that Chrysler ’s ENVI division — the division within Chrysler charged with developing electric and other green vehicle technologies – is currently working on a vehicle to take on the Chevrolet Volt, with an estimated on sale date between 2011 and 2013. “ENVI is currently developing electric vehicles for the three Chrysler brands and is planning on product within three to five years,†Nick Cappa, a Chrysler spokesman, told the Detroit Free Press.
Although the Volt is slated to hit the market in late 2010, a 2011 target is probably a little too tight for Chrysler’s version. Chrysler is reportedly still working on the car’s platform and battery technology, which are arguably the greatest time consumers in the development process.
