The Auto Writer

Chrysler LLC says that they are ready to go forward with the technology to build electric cars. Beginning in 2009, a test fleet of 100 vehicles will be on the road and starting in 2010, one of the three pictured electric powered models will go into production.

Chrysler Hopes To Make GM Green With ENVI

Chrysler LLC has been lagging behind General Motors and Ford when it comes to alternate powered vehicles. Just launched this year was the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrids, beefy SUVs which return 20 mpg fuel economy. This comes several years after its Detroit competitors got into the game, underscoring just how behind America’s #3 automaker has been.

Chrysler Plans To Leapfrog The Competition

However, starting late doesn’t mean that Chrysler isn’t in the game and, if things go according to plan, the automaker will be aggressively pursuing the technology to bring electric vehicles (ENVI) to their fleet as early as 2010, even before General Motors can roll out its hybrid Chevrolet Volt.

In a first of its kind unveiling, Chrysler LLC used a cable news network to showcase its newest models, tapping Mike Ellis of CNBC to announce the three vehicles — Dodge EV (similar to the Viper), Jeep EV (Wrangler), and Chrysler EV (Town & Country). All three will be on the road next year as Chrysler LLC plans to test 100 vehicles which will be included in government, business, and Chrysler development fleets.

In 2010, one of the vehicles will go into production, the first of what Chrysler LLC says will be several electric models to be marketed over the next few years.

“We have a social responsibility to our consumers to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and our intention is to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO – Chrysler LLC. “The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market.”

Are You ENVI-ous?

ENVI represents the first four letters of “environmental” – which is Chrysler’s internal organization created to develop electric-drive production vehicles and ancillary technologies.

“ENVI was created just over one year ago with the strategic intent to develop electric-drive vehicles quickly for Chrysler, and it is surpassing expectations,” said Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President – Chrysler LLC. “With ENVI, Chrysler is developing technology to bring Electric Vehicles and extremely fuel-efficient Range-extended Electric Vehicles to market.”

Chrysler’s line of electric vehicles make use of  three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow. The electric-drive system is being developed for a variety vehicle applications including front, rear, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive.

“This technology provides customers with a vehicle that has zero tailpipe emissions and a 150- to 200-mile driving range – far exceeding most Americans’ daily commutes, as nearly 80 percent of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day, or 14,000 miles per year,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire.”

(Source: Chrysler LLC)