The Big 3
There’s a new Big Three coming out of Detroit in the future, but these guys are centered all within Chrysler. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler debuted three new electric car concepts with appeal for a variety of consumer segments. The Dodge ZEO is geared towards performance enthusiasts, the off-road Jeep Renegade, and the stylish sedan-like Chrysler ecoVoyager. All three have a different type of electric powertrain featuring zero emissions and regenerative braking, with the ZEO fully electric and the other two fuel-assisted. Mind you, these are only concepts, and a lot is riding on the lithium ion battery technology that is still in its infant stages of development, but it does show a commitment to broaden the electric car audience, aimed at those wanting to remain eco-friendly without sacrificing comfort, looks, and performance.
The ZEO (pictured above), which stands for Zero Emissions Operation, is fully electric, powered by a 64 kwh lithium ion battery and 200 kw electric motor with 268-hp. The rear-wheel drive sports wagon hits top speeds of 130 mph, with a 0-60 time under six seconds. The battery maintains its charge for 250 miles. A raised rear beltine, windshield that slopes nearly the full length of the roof, and bulky 23-inch wheels give the ZEO a distinctive sporty look. Unlike other sport cars, the ZEO concept features four doors that open scissor-style, with seating for four passengers. Its nearest rival in terms of performance is the two-seater Tesla Roadster, but this electric sports car has hit some snags with its transmission and keeps pushing back its release date.
For outdoor enthusiasts who also appreciate the environment, the Jeep Renegade maintains Jeep’s reputation for superior 4WD off-road performance, but both its powertrain and materials are easy on the Earth. Its dual electric motors (one for each axle) power the car for 40 miles, but in combination with the BLUETEC 1.5-liter diesel engine, Chrysler claims the Renegade can go 400 miles on one charge, with top speeds of 110 mph. Its four-wheel drive capability, oversized wheel flares, and roofless dune buggy looks perpetuate the carefree spirit of Jeep. The foam seats and doors are soy-based, and the molded composite exterior avoids the use of harmful paint solvents, making the Renegade concept a total eco-friendly package.
Perhaps it’s a bit of a lofty statement, but Chrysler is branding its ecoVoyager concept as an “elegant American design” aimed at those looking to experience the luxury of their own “private jet.” Embodying luxurious refinement, comfort, and style for family trips, the ecoVoyager features a combination of a plug-in 200 kw electric motor and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The electric motor alone achieves 268-hp and goes for 40 miles on one charge, but the fuel cell extends that to 300 miles. Together, they propel the ecoVoyager from 0-60 in eight seconds and reach 115 mph. The powertrain setup resides under the floor to increase interior space, which is also helped by the one-box cab-forward design. A panoramic dual-pane sunroof and directional Direct Sound system improve the overall travel experience for all passengers.
Chrysler’s ENV1 team, set up to focus efforts on development of electric technology, is hard at work trying to design a lithium battery pack that can both achieve the lofty goals set by these concepts and remain affordable. The high cost of current battery technology has left the electric car languishing on the development back burner for many carmakers, who have chosen to focus instead on alternative fuel sources. If Chrysler can make it work, these may be some of the few auto show concepts that actually see the light of day.
