Seamless advanced technology meets stunning, emotional design. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology taken to new level
- Chrysler ecoVoyager concept
- Jeep® Renegade concept
- Dodge ZEO concept
Detroit, Michigan – Three passionate designs combine with three advanced propulsion systems. The result: high-tech, innovative vehicles with alternative fuel choices… and exciting design and brand character.
Chrysler LLC’s mission to be more environmentally responsible is significantly changing how we envision vehicles in our future portfolio. As the entire automotive industry has basically the same technology pool from which to draw, our design challenge remains similar to what it has always been: How do we distinguish Chrysler’s future designs from the rest of the pack? Even in this environment, we must create emotional designs, and must offer vehicles that people will really want to own and drive.
So we have challenged ourselves to unleash our design passion – in combination with these future technologies and linked to the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands for our 2008 concept vehicles.
Each of the technologies must be transparent to our customers and provide an exceptional driving experience. In addition, each technology must be optimally packaged in the vehicle to ensure uncompromised comfort and function.
The Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge concept vehicles for 2008 take advantage of the unique packaging and design opportunities realised by these advanced powertrain systems.
The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager concept, Jeep Renegade concept and Dodge ZEO concept take advantage of the best of new technologies and couple them with the room, comfort, speed and style customers will not sacrifice – allowing potential customers to still feel good about their personal impact on the environment even when having fun.
In designing each of the three concepts for the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Chrysler designers studied various emerging and growing customer groups to overlay their needs and expectations with Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand values to develop the best overall fit. The result is an all-new passionate design concept for each of our three brands.
ENVI (Environmentally Responsible Electric-drive vehicle technology)
Chrysler’s three concept vehicles for the 2008 North American International Auto Show provide a glimpse into how Chrysler envisions surprising and delighting its future customers through seamless integration of advance production technology into its future product portfolio.
ENVI – an in-house Chrysler organisation – was formed late last year with a focus on establishing Chrysler leadership in electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies. Team members were selected for their exceptional skills in portfolio management, modular architecture, product engineering, manufacturing, design, and procurement and supply.
Providing exceptional fuel economy and reducing emissions is part of Chrysler’s environmental commitment, thus allowing customers to make environmentally responsible choices without compromising their mobility needs.
Engaging the Customer
ENVI will develop electric-drive vehicles and technologies that draw from customer insights for each of the Chrysler brands – Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge.
Initial customer insights – and expectations – are conveyed in the Chrysler ecoVoyager, Jeep Renegade and Dodge ZEO concept vehicles.
Specifically, Chrysler buyers seek both understated luxury and purposeful technology – without compromising “elegance and simplicity.”
In harmony with nature, Jeep enthusiasts seek “stylish green” vehicles that offer capability, comfort and style packaged together as only Jeep can.
Dodge “driving enthusiasts” crave performance without compromising the need for comfort and space. Practical but innovative features complement the experience that is expected from a Dodge performance sedan.
The technology
ENVI will focus on executing Chrysler’s next-generation vehicles with technologies that complement the company’s current hybrid vehicle plans, and extend hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) benefits to the next level.
Chrysler’s electric-drive systems are envisioned to be modular, with a high-level of technology sharing and component reuse. Common elements include a 200 kW electric motor, electrical architecture, power electronics, and next-generation, safe lithium-ion battery technology, to name a few.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept is an electric vehicle with a 64 km, 16 kW-hour lithium-ion battery module. Total driving range is 480 km when coupled with the advanced hydrogen fuel cell range extender. The common 200 kW electric motor drives the front wheels.
The Jeep Renegade concept is also an electric vehicle with the common 64 km, 16 kW-hour lithium-ion battery module, but uniquely incorporates electric motors on each axle for true four-wheel-drive capability. Driving range is extended by an electric generator coupled to a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine. Renegade has a 640 km range, and is capable of achieving an equivalent fuel economy of 2.1l/100km.
The Dodge ZEO concept is a Battery Electric Vehicle powered by the common electric motor driving the rear wheels. Driving range is 400 km with the integrating of multiple lithium-ion battery modules for a total energy rating of 64 kW-hours.
Addressing future challenges such as global warming, energy security and customer wants and needs will require the production implementation of one or more of these technologies in the not-too-distant future.
