The Dodge Circuit once rumored as the first EV to come out of Chryslers ENVI unit, then rumored dead because of various reasons during the bankruptcy, is now rumored to have a release date.

Lou Rhodes, president of Chryslers ENVI unit has said that Chrysler plans to order 100,000 vehicles from Lotus (the Circuit is going to be based on a Lotus vehicle just like the Tesla Roadster is).  They will be shipped over to the US where the EV parts will be installed and tested.  With that many on order Chrysler can save thousands of dollars per vehicle sold through economies of scale.  They’ll get a lower price on the Lotus vehicle, and will be able to produce all of the EV parts at less cost per part.  This will allow them to price the Circuit well below the asking price for a Tesla Roadster.

As for when this vehicle will be available?  Rhodes hinted that production could start as soon as late next year.