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.
09/03, 1:32 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
the Dodge ZEO is pretty sweet. Dodge has a ton of potential as does the rest of the Chrysler lineup. they’re just too busy obviously doing other things than building cars.
09/03, 2:05 PM
posted by:
chryslercurse
TOO LITTLE TO LATE………………….BOTTOM LINE
09/03, 2:26 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I hope it’s not “too little too late”. I’d love to see the Zeo be an EV. My only concern is the term “loosely based.” That means it may share the same color as the Zeo… I sure hope they don’t go that route and instead let a Zeo EV be as close as possible to the concept. I’d buy that.
09/03, 3:23 PM
posted by:
bolex
i actually hope they are not the 3 EV concepts they showed…horrible in comparison to what chrysler used to do. good to hear some type of news from chrysler
09/03, 3:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
How come there are never spy/camo shots of Chrysler’s upcoming vehicles? I know if you just paid attention to their current sales figures it might appear as if they are no longer in the car biz, but articles like this insist they’re moving forward. So let’s see some proof.
09/03, 5:55 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
For building the Caliber, Dodge deserves an ignominious death. They need to get bought by TaTa and turned into mass-production of Indian taxicabs and cattle trucks.
09/03, 7:12 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
I would take the Volt saying that Dodge still has work on reliability and safety.
09/03, 10:43 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Dodge’s safety policy is simple: Dodge.
09/04, 12:06 AM
posted by:
VWgrouP
HAHA
I like how everyone hates Chrysler and Dodge..
And Chrysler, you dont have to try to keep up with the “competition”, because for you, there is none. I mean that in a bad way..
And personally, electric vehicles may be okay for airport shuttles, but not for production cars…they wont last at all. There are better alternatave, and cheaper, ways to power a vehicle.
09/04, 11:28 AM
posted by:
European Car Lover
to VWgroup
Even that I’m a fan of European Cars,especially German cars,I need to say this to you…
Every kind of thing get’s up and down…loses and wins…by the time,everything changes…
Chrysler for the moment is in a middle of a confusing period and a little financial problems,but everything
will be solved as Chrysler will make new types of vehicles,new motor updates and etc…
I bet you know that ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY!!!
So will Chrysler do…by the time will get on his knees again…
For now it has maybe only few models which are drove in the streets,but tell me who doesn’t like
American Muscles like 300c,Dodge Charger,Challenger…huh? these are legendary cars
and you have no idea of car power and design,buddy…
How do you mean,you think that with the new VW Passat CC which it’s biggest 3.0 motor power it’s 300HPwill pass out the 300c which it has a 5.7 engine and 340 HP and which will be updated with 380 HP
in 2009?
And not to mention the 6.1 SRT with 431 HP…
the only good car that VW has it’s the Phaeton…But please tell me how Audi helped VW to build the Phaeton,huh?…
I have a Chrysler 300c 3.0 CRD with 218 HP,and runs perfectly,even better than the other american cars
i’m very happy to have it…i don’t even want another…you can tune this car up,and put a 22 inch rims,black windows…and hit the streets,BUDDY…!!!
09/04, 12:21 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Did they mention that these prototypes will be brought in a subsequently taken away by flatbed?
The Volt is already a popular hit with millions of Americans anxiously awaiting its arrival. Dodge doesn’t stand a chance of getting .0001% of the attention that GM is getting right now.
09/04, 2:40 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
I drive an 06 Dodge and i can agree with some of the things said about Chrysler products but its not a bad car. its got 40K miles on it and there’s not one thing wrong with it. i love it, in fact. i’ve had 4 Dodge’s since i got my first when i was 14 almost 15 (i’m 22 now) and all have been great cars. I’ve also owned fords, chevys, a porsche, infiniti, & 2 kias. surprisingly, my 2 Kias (a sportage & Spectra5) and my dodges (dodge dakota R/T, Stratus R/T, Ram 1500 SLT 4 door, & current Neon R/T) have been the best problem free cars yet.