Disclaimer: ENVI Vehicles are development models and are not yet intended for consumer purchase. This model is not in production nor available at dealerships.

Chrysler Town & Country EV Concept - A Family Van with a Conscience

Electric Vehicles, or EV's, have been around for a long time but have just started to make their way into the average consumer market. The 2010 Chrysler Town and Country is prime to make its presence felt once it hits the assembly line. This is the most practical application of Chrysler's electric technology and this technological powerhouse could make a lot of people happy. Chrysler has been a technological pioneer for years and is certainly embracing the future with their ENVI technologies. Chrysler and its ENVI organization have new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicles, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.  Optimizing technology to meet the future needs of drivers is a focus for Chrysler going forward. With it likely to see production within the next few years, this vehicle could make a lot of sense for the urban based family with economic and environmental hopes in mind. Chrysler says that it is well into the development of advanced, production-intent electric vehicles. It will apply electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years. Chrysler and General Electric are currently working on a project with the United States Department of Energy to explore future techniques for energy-storage technology. Chrysler and GE have researched and designed dual-battery solutions based on GE's unique technology.

Powering the Town & Country EV

The electric vehicle technology is made of 3 primary sources. These include an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, a controller that manages energy flow and an electric motor to drive the wheels. This technology provides a vehicle that has zero tailpipe emissions for 40 miles and a 150- to 200-mile driving range far exceeding most Americans daily commutes.  The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today's gasoline-powered vehicles with no compromises in performance. Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility. 

Town & Country EV Design

The Town & Country EV is recognizable as a conventional Chrysler minivan, with large 'EV' badging on the sides. Its higher hood, squared-off rear end and the most stealthy sliding side doors give it a slightly SUV look.  The Town & Country EV measures 202.5 inches long, 78.7 inches wide and 68.9 inches tall.  The Town & Country EV is sized similar to other minivans on the market.

Driving the Electric Minivan

With a 40 mile range on a fully charged lithium ion battery the vehicle is powered by a 268hp electric motor powering the front wheels. After 40 miles and the battery has depleted itself the Town & Country EV then activates a generator in the form of a small 98-hp gasoline engine. Electricity created from the internal combustion engine is sent not only to the battery for recharging, but also to the electric motor, boosting the total range of the vehicle.  On a fully charged battery the Town and Country can travel 40 miles solely on the basis of its 200 kW (268hp) electric powered front wheels. 

Minivan Cabin Features

The Town & Country EV will hold seven occupants, just like its conventional twin.  It is unknown whether the Stow 'n Go system will be available on the EV, as this space may be needed for electrical components. Another option on the Town & Country EV may be Chryslers Swivel 'n Go: second-row captain's chairs that independently rotate 180 degrees and slide fore and aft to face the third row. The Town & Country EV will lkely offer all of the other perks of the regular minivan; it is loaded with convenience, entertainment, and storage features. The Town & Country EV has power windows - in the sliding doors, too - with power sliding doors and liftgate optional. There are numerous storage nooks, pockets and bins throughout the interior, including a dual glove compartment. The floor console between the front seats has removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders. An optional console has many sliding drawers that can open individually or together, including from the backseat, and contains a 12-volt power outlet.

Summary

Chrysler's internal research and development for the evolution of electric-drive production is Called ENVI (for ENVIronmental) is developing electric-drive systems for future Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.  With a complete re-imaging and all new design work, the 2010 Chrysler Town and Country EV is starting to cause some buzz at car shows worldwide. People desire the type of car that allows them to transport multiple passengers in comfort, while not breaking the bank in gas money and being 'green' at the same time. It seems that Chrysler has taken this to hear in its new offerings for the minivan. Go to the official Town & Country EV site for more details. Chrysler will select one electric-drive model at a later date which will be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009. For a closer look, view a photo gallery of the ENVI vehicles.