Chrysler's all-new electric cars

First model available to consumers by 2010
A few days ago, Chrysler announced their new foray into the green vehicle market, showing prototypes of the Dodge EV, the Jeep EV and Chrysler EV. It's pretty obvious that Chrysler is targeting a specific market with each car, with one to be selected for North American sales by 2010.

Chrysler, going green
Of course, the model that catches our eye the most is the Dodge EV. According to The Car Enthusiast, all of these vehicles will be using the same motor, electronic controller and lithium-ion battery technology that Tesla is using in their Roadster.

The Dodge EV is based on the Lotus Europa platform. Well, let's not mince words here. It is a Lotus Europa. The Europa was introduced in 2006 but is not sold in the United States. But I'm not complaining. Lotus is known for light, excellent handling cars. All the better and should make the Dodge EV very entertaining.

Like Tesla's Roadster, the Dodge EV is an all-electric sports car powered by a 200 kW, or 268 horsepower, electric motor.

With 480 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, performance-minded drivers will relish the cars 0 to 60 mph time of less than five seconds and a top speed of more than 120 mph. Pretty sweet and not unlike the Tesla. Driving range should be in the neighborhood of 150-200 miles and rechargeable with a standard 110- or 220-volt household outlet.

The other cars that Chrysler introduced were they Jeep EV and a mini-van, the Chrysler EV. Both use a system similar to the Volt's, whereby each has an electric motor with lithium-ion batteries and a small gasoline engine that provides energy to the electric-drive system when needed.

Jeep's are known by off-road enthusiasts as truly trail-ready and Chrysler hopes to maintain that reputation with a possible future innovation. Chrysler is looking at a four-wheel drive system for the Jeep EV that would include an electric motor at each wheel. Talk about off-road handling, especially if each motor could be controlled independently.

Chrysler can make an impact on the all-electric and hybrid market with these vehicles by delivering cars that not only work for the average driver but at a price they can afford as well. Wouldn't it be nice to see Chrysler benefit from their going green and see some true results. Success is in short supply right now with the American car makers. Chrysler has the opportunity to lead the way.