Chrysler recently introduced three advanced electric-vehicle prototypes, while expressing its intention to broaden its all-electric and Range-extended Electric Vehicle portfolio across its vehicle lineup.

At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Company unveiled updated versions of those vehicles – along with two new electric vehicles – reinforcing a commitment to developing and bringing to market a broad array of advanced electric vehicles for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

Chrysler will produce at least one of these vehicles for North American markets in 2010 (and European markets after 2010), with at least three more models to follow by 2013.

“Chrysler’s broad portfolio of electric vehicle prototypes clearly demonstrates that we are well on our way to bringing electric vehicles to our consumers’ garages,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “With our ENVI-powered vehicles, Chrysler’s strategy is to deliver customers a wide array of electric vehicles that provide an environmentally friendly, clean, quiet and responsible driving experience.”

Between its ENVI electric-drive vehicles and GEM neighborhood electric vehicles, Chrysler expects to have 500,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2013.

The Chrysler 200C EV concept is the definitive blend of provocative design and leading-edge technology, representing what a next-generation Chrysler sports sedan could be. The 200C EV concept also demonstrates Chrysler’s leading edge in-vehicle connectivity. With 40 miles of all-electric range, this Range-extended Electric Vehicle is capable of a 400-mile total driving range.

The new Jeep Patriot EV combines ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle drive system with the industry’s most capable compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV). Like all Chrysler Range-extended Electric Vehicles, the Patriot EV uses an integrated small-displacement engine and electric generator to produce additional electricity to power the electric-drive system when needed.

Dodge showcases a new version of its all-electric sports car : the Dodge Circuit EV. Featuring new fearless Dodge front and rear designs and a new Dodge interior, the Dodge Circuit EV boasts a range of 150-200 miles with zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

The combination of capability and fuel efficiency is demonstrated in the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV. A Range-extended Electric Vehicle, the Wrangler Unlimited EV provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle from the iconic Jeep brand.

Chrysler rounds out its current electric-vehicle portfolio with the Chrysler Town & Country EV – the perfect fuel-efficient family vehicle. It, too, delivers 40 miles of all-electric range – 400 total – without sacrificing the significant convenience and utility of Chrysler’s award-winning minivan.

ENVI, development of Electric Vehicles

The development of Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles is led by ENVI – representing the first four letters of “environmental” – the Company’s in-house organization that was formed in late 2007 to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies.

ENVI is an empowered, cross-functional, nimble team that can move quickly and has access to the vast resources within Chrysler to allow rapid proliferation of electric-drive vehicles.

“ENVI is quickly bringing electric vehicles to market, completely changing the game for our customers,” said Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI, and Vice President – Advance Vehicle Engineering. “Chrysler’s ENVI-powered electric vehicles will allow consumers to move away from their reliance on fuel stations and traditional maintenance, and instead enjoy a new, more socially responsible level of performance – instant torque, quietness, smoothness and efficiency – that today’s internal combustion engine vehicles can’t offer.

“ENVI harnesses the promise of electric vehicles, but takes it further,” Rhodes added. “By working with electric utilities and with battery manufacturers, we are developing a seamless approach to electric-vehicle ownership – an approach that will soon allow consumers to move brilliantly forward in an environmentally friendly, intuitive mobility package.”

ENVI’s Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles will significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions.

Chrysler will apply its ENVI electric-drive technology to each of its brands, and to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms.

“As demonstrated with our lineup of ENVI electric-vehicle prototypes, Chrysler is quickly moving toward using electricity to power the bold performance of Dodge vehicles, the versatility and capability of Jeep vehicles, and the comfort and functionality of Chrysler vehicles,” Rhodes said.

Chrysler’s All-electric Vehicle Technology

Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

“ENVI Electric Vehicle technology will provide customers with vehicles that achieve zero tailpipe emissions and a 150 to 200 mile driving range,” Rhodes said. “This far exceeds most Americans’ daily commutes, as nearly 80 percent of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day, or 14,000 miles per year."

“Chrysler’s ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles provide the opportunity to fulfill social responsibility, reduce dependency on foreign oil, and eliminate monthly gasoline bills, while delivering performance and utility that our customers desire,” Rhodes added.

The result of ENVI’s Electric Vehicle technology is a completely new driving experience that delivers instantaneous acceleration and responsiveness. The electric-drive technology enables a new standard of quiet, smooth and efficient operation.

Recharging a Chrysler all-electric vehicle is a simple one-step process : plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

Chrysler’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology

The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the ENVI Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles – with no compromises in performance.

ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicles can travel 40 miles on battery power alone using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions. A small internal combustion engine and integrated generator produces electricity that extends the range to 400 miles.

Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility.

The recharging process and time for a Range-extended Electric Vehicle is the same as an all-electric vehicle, using either a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet.