Lotus-based Dodge EV and other Chrysler hybrids debut
Lotus has donated one of their own in the interests of science yet again. They’ve handed over their Lotus Europa to Chrysler, and the result is the Dodge EV, a coupe that looks exactly like its Lotus counterpart, but comes with a hybrid engine. Alongside the Dodge EV, Chrysler has also introduced hybrid versions of the Jeep Wrangler and the Chrysler Grand Voyager.
The Dodge EV uses a 200 kW electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. That translates to 268 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, which helps propel the lightweight coupe to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, and a top speed of only 120 mph. It offers a range between 150 and 200 miles, with recharge times of 8 hours using U.S. 110V outlets and 4 hours using European 220V outlets.
The other two vehicles, simply named Jeep EV and Chrysler EV, are both more traditional hybrids, which means they have an electric motor and generator that drive the wheels for up to 40 miles before a small petrol engine takes over to recharge the lithium-ion batteries or provide power directly to the electric motor. These two practical EV models claim a range of up to 400 miles.
The Jeep EV uses a 200 kw electric motor, good for 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the Chrysler EV uses a 190 kW motor, with 255 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. Since these are just prototype vehicles, Chrysler has not revealed the specs for the petrol engine that backs up these electric hybrids. Little in-wheel electric motors are also being explored for the Jeep EV, for rock-bashing purposes.
The secretive Chrysler LLC is adapting to the new economy-conscious market. These new models are due by 2010.
Tags: chrysler ev, dodge ev, jeep ev