Chrysler Group LLC
said this week that it's going to roll out a battery-powered electric vehicle
based on the Fiat 500 platform in 2012.
Known as
the Fiat 500EV, the new car will use no internal combustion engine, propelling
itself exclusively on the power derived from a lithium-ion battery. Like the
conventional Fiat 500, it will be a two-door vehicle seating four.
"It's
something that a person could use every day as a commuter, without the range
anxiety," said Nick Cappa, a spokesman for Chrysler.
A Chrysler
press release said the 500EV's powertrain will be composed of three main
parts: a high-power electric powertrain module, an advanced lithium-ion
battery and an EV control unit to manage power flows. All powertrain
engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group
headquarters in Auburn, MI. A price for the vehicle has not yet been
determined.
Cappa told
Design News the vehicle "will probably have a range in the vicinity of 80
to 100 miles." The lithium-ion batteries for the new car will most likely be
built by A123 Systems, a U.S.-based
battery maker.
Cappa also said Chrysler is
working with partners – presumably state agencies and utilities – on solving
the grid-related issues.
"With an
internal combustion engine vehicle, you can pull over and fill your car with
gasoline in a few minutes," Cappa said. "You can't do that with a battery right
now, and Chrysler doesn't build charging stations or electrical equipment. But
if we can work with the electric companies to help develop the technology to
enable (faster charging), it would be a step forward."
Although
Chrysler did not state how fast they hope to recharge, competing EV builders
have said they hope to team up with utilities to develop 440V public charging
stations that could recharge vehicles to an 80-percent level in as little as 25
minutes.
Chrysler,
which has a large percentage of trucks in its lineup, said the Fiat 500
fit its needs for a city-type EV. "As far as building a daily commuter car,
this vehicle meets the criteria and expectations most customers would have for
a pure EV," Cappa said.
chrysler never fails their user. they keep on doing innovations that will satisfies their customer. the relaes fiat car is so good. i love the fiat parts. simply amazing.
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