EV Weblog » chrysler

Chrysler will display electric Fiat at Detroit

Jason — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:33:36 +0000

Fiat 500

Chrysler was saved earlier this year by both the US government and Fiat, a European car maker. Fiat has recently released the Fiat 500 in Europe to rave reviews and wants to get this car in the US (branded as a Fiat). It’s not much bigger than a smart car, but people say it is great for commuting – and there are four versions of it so you should be able to find one that suits you.

Even though Fiat decided to shut down Chrysler’s ENVI division the electrics from Chrysler will still be coming. Supposedly an electrified version of the 500 will appear at the Detroit auto show. I just hope that it will sell well here in the US, what works well in Europe doesn’t always work well here.

Chryslers ENVI division shut down – sort of

Jason — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:56:01 +0000

The electric vehicles division over at Chrysler is being shut down. The leaders at Fiat decided that ENVI will not be the name they use to electrify their vehicles. This does not mean that Chrysler is giving up on EVs. I would like to point out that in Chryslers 5 year plan announced on November 4th Chrysler would be taking the responsibility of all electrification in the Chrysler/Fiat line up. So EVs will still be produced by Chrysler.

This also does not change the plans for the hybrid Ram next year. Fiat/Chrysler has stated that they think EVs will account for 1-2% of their sales by 2014. Not a big number, but a pretty realistic number.

While the hybrid Ram is still coming out next year, the Chrysler ENVI vehicle concepts are probably on shaky ground. The minivan EV still makes the most sense in terms of up front costs (the minivan doesn’t need to be redesigned to electrify it) and market demand. But the other two may never see the light of day. The Jeep Wrangler is set to get a diesel engine (it’s about time too) brought over from Europe so they may decide that the diesel is good enough for now.

The Dodge Circuit EV is an electrified Lotus Elise – so a chunk of the cost in that car will end up going to Lotus. I’m not sure that Fiat would like to be beholden to competitors for product. They are already having issues with Diamler supplying parts for current Chrysler vehicles.

Chryslers ENVI division to make a Fiat

Jason — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:50:17 +0000

Chrysler’s ENVI electric vehicle program has spawned several possible vehicles that may one day reach showrooms. However, the automaker has gone silent in regard to any upcoming EV projects leading speculators to believe that the program may be dead in the water.

All is about to change though as Chrysler board member Alfredo Altavilla let word slip out that the company is working together with Italian owner Fiat on an upcoming EV. News came while Altavilla was visiting Fiat’s gearbox plant in Verrone, Italy.

We should find out more on November 4 when Chrysler/Fiat release their 5 year plan.