In a surprising move Chrysler has unveiled a line-up of three electric vehicles, one for each of its brands with the target of one being produced in 2010. Announced were the all-electric Dodge EV sports car, the Jeep EV range-extended electric vehicle, and the Chrysler EV range-extended minivan.
Like the Tesla Roadster, the Dodge EV is an all electric design and some believe that it too is based on a Lotus sports car, in this case the Europa. Chrysler has not announced what company would produce the batteries but A123 Systems has been mentioned.
Unlike General Motors which introduced the Chevy Volt concept car with a unique design and then designed a new aerodynamic body for it, Chrysler used existing bodies for the Jeep EV and Chrysler EV range-extended minivan. The Jeep EV is based on the Jeep Wrangler and the Chrysler EV minivan on the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Since they are claiming the same 40 mile electric powered range as the Chevy Volt but with heavier, less aerodynamic bodies, the Chrysler vehicles require larger batteries (via AutoBlog).
• Chevy Volt – 16KWh battery, 40 mile electric range
• Dodge EV - 26 kWh battery, 150-200 mile electric range
• Jeep EV – 27KWh battery, 40 mile electric range
• Chrysler EV – 22KWh battery, 40 mile electric range
While larger batteries mean more expense, Chrysler is actually aiming at a higher priced segment than the Chevy Volt. The more expensive Jeep Wrangler trim levels cost over $25,000 while the Chrysler Town & Country starts at $30,000. The GM Volt by comparison is basically an alternative to the upcoming Chevy Cruze which starts in the high teens. If Chrysler can show people that you can drive a large vehicle with much less worry about gas prices it may have a winner.
The US Congress is also helping; it just passed a bill offering up to $7,500 in tax credits for the first 250,000 plug-in hybrids.