[TechScope]
Look Out, Volt—Chrysler Announces Three Electric Vehicles
Richard Gawel
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ED Online ID #19796 |
September 23, 2008
Perhaps in response to GM’s announcement of its production-ready Volt electric car last week, Chrysler has unveiled plans to use similar electric-drive technology in three of its vehicles. The company will select one of its electric-drive models to be produced for consumers in North American markets in 2010 and one for European markets after that.
Chrysler demonstrated three electric-drive prototypes—the Dodge EV, Jeep EV, and Chrysler EV—at its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Tuesday. Additionally, the company said that approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road as part of government, business, utility and company development fleets in 2009.
“We have a social responsibility to our consumers to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and our intention is to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer,” said Bob Nardelli, chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC.
Chrysler’s electric-drive technology comprises three primary components. An electric motor drives the wheels. An advanced lithium-ion battery system powers the motor. And, a controller manages energy flow. The company is developing the system for front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel drive vehicles.
“This technology provides customers with a vehicle that has zero tailpipe emissions and a 150- to 200-mile driving range—far exceeding most Americans’ daily commutes, as nearly 80% of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day,” said Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development at Chrysler.
Drivers recharge the system by plugging the car into any standard outlet, much like the Chevrolet Volt. Also similarly, a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator produce additional energy to power the drive system when necessary, making the vehicle’s range comparable to gasoline-powered automobiles.
The first prototype, the Dodge EV, is a two-passenger sports car with rear-wheel drive (Fig. 1). Its 200-kW electric motor that provides 268 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque for 0- to 60-mph acceleration in less than 5 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds, and a top speed of 120 mph. Recharging takes 8 hours from a 110-V outlet and half that from 220 V.
Based on the Wrangler model, the Jeep EV uses a 200-kW electric motor that puts out 268 hp for 295 lb-ft of torque (Fig. 2). Using eight gallons of gasoline, it has a 400-mile range, including 40 miles of gas- and emission-free operation. The company is now investigating four-wheel drive, in-wheel electric motors for better off-road capabilities.
The Chrysler EV takes its cues from the Town & Country minivan, with seven-passenger capacity (Fig. 3). Its 195-kW electric motor provides 255 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as 0- to 60-mph acceleration in 9 seconds. Like the Jeep EV, it offers 400 miles of travel and 40 miles of all-electric operation.
In addition, Chrysler has teamed with General Electric and the United States Department of Energy to develop a new, integrated energy-storage system to make electric vehicle battery packs smaller and significantly less expensive than current designs. Specifically, they will investigate dual-battery solutions based on GE’s unique technology.
“One of the challenges with electric vehicles is finding a battery with the correct balance between power—for example, during vehicle acceleration—and energy for long driving range,” said Klegon. “We believe that combining two unique battery chemistries—one biased toward power and the other toward energy—into a single battery pack is very promising for a future Chrysler electric vehicle.”
Nobody seems to be talking about where all the electricity that is going to power future electric cars is coming from. Unless you live in the northwest US (hydro power), most of your energy is coming from coal or gas fire power plants that generate their own pollution.
Regarding the Chevy Volt, is there a study that compares the amount of pollution generated to power up one Volt to go 40 miles (before gas engine comes on) compared to the pollution generated by a gas based auto for 40 miles? The difference in pollution between these two approaches is the real savings in pollution.
In other word, the Volt is not pollution free in it's electric only mode and neither will any other electric car.
Jeff -September 26, 2008
The thing I like is their comment about in-wheel all wheel drive motors. I've been waiting for that for some time. It makes huge sense if they can get the power in the available spaces--no more universal joints or lockers. Probably no more CV joints, since the motor should turn with the wheel. Electronic per-wheel load balancing and no possibility of all the power going to one spinning wheel. When they deliver on that, I'll be in the market for my first American car in about three decades (unless someone else does it better or sooner).
The dual chemistry part sounds smart, also. NiCD (for instance) has much higher peak current capability (lower internal series resistance) but Li has much higher energy density, both per weight and per size.
The recharge would probably be even more efficient if they took advantage of the fact that it only needs to run at one speed and used a turbine instead of an internal combustion engine.
Wilton Helm -September 24, 2008
I'll believe it when I see it. Electric cars have been around for a hundred and how many years? But that perfect battery is always a decade away. They will soak up gov't. research money, make a few prototypes, then forget about it. Might as well keep driving them gas guzzlers, if you can afford it. The sooner the oil runs out, the sooner electric cars will be seriously marketed in the USA.
Gordon Clark -September 24, 2008
Am I being deceived, or do the mileage specs on the Jeep and the minivan look awesome? Chrysler is quoting 400 miles on 8 gallons of gasoline plus a full battery charge. Subtract the 40-mile range for the initial battery charge, and that's 360 miles on 8 gallons of gas -- 45 mpg!
If that's real, it's at least double the mileage of today's minivans, with comparable performance. Plus, for many families that drive less than 40 miles per day, you can go fully electric and spend even less overall on fuel. That also makes me wonder, how long is it safe to keep gasoline in the tank? Theoretically, when you do exceed the range of the battery's overnight charge, you might then be driving on year-old gasoline.
Finally, there's no mention of projected price for these vehicles. I would hope for a minimal price premium relative to the standard internal combustion vehicles. But I'm not holding my breath for that one.
Jim -September 24, 2008
Not mentioned are the hybrid Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter vans which have been doing "demo" service in the US for over 4 years. Although fuel cells provide the electricity, the drive has the electric motor just "dropped in" after the transmission on the propeller shaft. Minimal change to the original fundamental diesel-powered vehicle. In service with UPS.
But 'nary a peep about them ever becoming "real".
sigh...
Dick -September 24, 2008
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