Chrysler Announces 3 Electric Cars
Announcements from GM and Chrysler remind one of the software announcements from Microsoft in the 1990s where they would announce new software far in advance of the introduction in an attempt to preempt the sale of their competitors. Decades ago the Detroit would introduce the new models in the autumn, i.e., the 2009 models would be introduced in September or October of 2008. Then came early introductions where a new model would be introduced in the spring: a 2009 model would be introduced in the spring of 2008. The models were for sale when introduced. Now GM and Chrysler are introducing electric cars 2 years in advance of their actually being for sale and that is if there are no delays.
Chrysler LLC said it put an electric car on sale in the US in 2010. It showed three electric prototypes Tuesday, Sep 24, 2008: an electric Dodge sports car, a Jeep and a Chrysler minivan. Chrysler’s product development chief, Frank Klegon, said the company hasn’t decided which model will come out in 2010. Klegon says Chrysler is still working with several partners on the battery technology for its vehicles.
The Dodge sports car is completely electric, but the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler minivan models will be similar to the Chevrolet Volt [going on sale in late 2010 per GM] that GM has announced.
“We’ve kept a pretty good secret here, perhaps because we haven’t tooted our own horns,” said Tom LaSorda, vice chairman and president of manufacturing and business development for Chrysler. “We believe action speaks louder than words.”
Chrysler’s strategy is to integrate electric power into existing products rather than create a new vehicle. Executives say that lets Chrysler focus on developing the powertrain without the design and production issues of an all-new model and provides flexibility to use it in many models.
“We’re not talking about a car, we’re talking about a full line,” said Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli. “We are staking out a leadership role in the future of the automobile.”
Nardelli and Chrysler are seeking $25 billion in loans for the auto industry to Detroit to retool plants to develop and manufacture more fuel efficient cars & the electric cars would obviously qualify. Nardelli said, “Without the loans, we are going to have to make some very tough trade-offs.”
An electric powertrain with a small backup gasoline engine to recharge the batteries after about 40 miles when the plug-in charge is used up was shown in a Chrysler Town & Country minivan and a Jeep Wrangler. This is the same as described for the Chevy Volt. Also on display was an all-electric Dodge sports car called the EV. It has only a lithium-ion battery with a range of about 150 miles before it must be recharged externally.
The Chrysler autos and the Chevy Volt may qualify for a $7,500 tax credit under new legislation awaiting House and presidential approval.
