Chrysler EV Concepts

Flush with federally secured float cash, Chrysler anxiously pulls our eyes forward, away from its current struggles, to a future of efficient and presumably profitable Electric Vehicle (EV) variants. As notice that Chrysler will return to health with all its franchises intact, three concepts were shown, one from each brand: Chrysler 200C EV, Dodge Circuit EV, and the Jeep Patriot  EV.

Chrysler 200C EV Concept

Chrysler 200C EV Concept
Like the Patriot EV, the 200C Concept is an extended-range electric vehicle, boasting the same claimed 40-mile range and basic propulsion system. Unlike the Patriot, the 200C is a clean-sheet design sporting a cleaner, simpler visage than current Chrysler sedans, as well as some interesting connectivity concepts. Most compelling is the expansion of Chrysler's uconnect media system. Incorporating an Apple iPhone-like interface, the concept's control system allows users to remotely start the vehicle, program the navigation system, and surf the web, among other things.

Presumably the 200C is a harbinger of design for both EV and conventional vehicles from Chrysler. Expect to see something that looks like the 200C in showrooms in a few years.

Dodge Circuit EV

Dodge Circuit EV Concept
A development of the Dodge EV concept first seen in 2008, the Circuit EV boasts more traditional Dodge styling. The Circuit combines a lithium-ion battery pack with a 268-horsepower electric motor for a claimed maximum range of 200 miles and 5.0 second 0-60 mph performance. According to Chrysler, a full battery charge would take eight hours using a standard household electric outlet, and just four hours if the EV is plugged into a 220-volt outlet. As with the other EV concepts, Chrysler has not announced any production plans for the Circuit.

Jeep Patriot EV Concept

Jeep Patriot EV Concept
Giving Jeep two EV Concepts to work with, the Patriot joins the already revealed Wrangler to allow drivers to "go anywhere while going green." Patriot EV follows the same extended-range electric-vehicle formula established by the Chevrolet Volt, and that's to provide at least 40 miles of electric-only propulsion backed up by gasoline-generated electricity for increased range as needed. Chrysler has no immediate production plans for the Patriot EV.

CG Says...
To these eyes, Chrysler's forward-looking collection of electrics seem more of a distraction than a plan. This ailing manufacturer has a long way to go before it can sink the necessary cash into electric development. Realistically, it will be more than a decade before electric and extended-range electrics sell in sufficient volume to churn meaningful profits. There's a chapter of recovery product that needs to arrive first, and Chrysler hasn't shown it to us yet.
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