This morning on CNBC Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli revealed the Dodge EV, a high performance sports car similar to the Tesla Roadster.   Along with the EV he announced three other vehicles operating on an electric powertrain.

The four vehicles are made by ENVI, the electric drive division of Chrysler.  In addition to the EV they include an extended range Chrysler minivan, a new “gated community” electric called “the peapod” and a Jeep Wrangler four-door.

The EV not only operates entirely on plug-in power like the Tesla Roadster it but it appears to have similar performance numbers.  The design has some striking visual similarities with the Tesla.  And why shouldn’t it? While the Tesla’s built on the Lotus Elise, the Dodge ev appears to be based on the Lotus Europa.

Here are some numbers:

• Recharge on standard home 110/220 current — full charge in four hours on 220 or eight hours on 110.
• Eschews the Hemi engine for a lithium-ion battery pack.
• 0-to-60 time in under five seconds.
• Range of 150-200 miles.
• Unlike the Tesla, based on the Lotus Elise, the Dodge ev looks to be based on the Lotus Europa.

Source: Jalopnik

The new Dodge EV

No wonder Chrysler is going to sell off the Viper nameplate.  They don’t need anymore after this car comes to market.  It looks pretty similar as well.