New Chrysler E-Rev (ENVI) - Page 3

vfx · 09-23-2008, 10:25 AM

A major car maker announces a bunch of E cars.

This is nothing but good for the cause brothers.

Rejoice!

doug · 09-23-2008, 10:57 AM

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Originally Posted by DDB

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Originally Posted by doug

They gotta be kidding...
Looks a bit familiar, don't it?

Kidding? I don't think anyone in their financial position would kidd.

That was a rhetorical statement, not to be taken literally. But yes, I wrote that in haste before I realized that it was a converted Europa. In anticipation of this news, I was expecting an original Chrysler design in line with the concepts shown last January. You have to admit that with the addition of that Dodge label and racing stripes, the Europa looks like a Viper'ed up Tesla. My original comment was based on the assumption that this was a copycat body rather than a purchased one.

Anyhow, more EV offerings really is good news for the consumer. And it's about time one of the majors just did this. That is, their own conversion along the lines of the Ford Ranger or RAV4 EVs. Ultimately they may not sell as well as the unique body styles, but that can wait for version 2 (like the Prius).

So the WSJ says the batteries will come from A123. I wonder where they're sourcing the motors. ABG suggests that the Jeep has hub motors.

DDB · 09-23-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug

That was a rhetorical statement, not to be taken literally. But yes, I wrote that in haste before I realized that it was a converted Europa. In anticipation of this news, I was expecting an original Chrysler design in line with the concepts shown last January. You have to admit that with the addition of that Dodge label and racing stripes, the Europa looks like a Viper'ed up Tesla. My original comment was based on the assumption that this was a copycat body rather than a purchased one.
Anyhow, more EV offerings really is good news for the consumer. And it's about time one of the majors just did this. That is, their own conversion along the lines of the Ford Ranger or RAV4 EVs. Ultimately they may not sell as well as the unique body styles, but that can wait for version 2 (like the Prius).

So the WSJ says the batteries will come from A123. I wonder where they're sourcing the motors. ABG suggests that the Jeep has hub motors.

Mine was rhetorical as well; darn computers. You're right on all counts. I watched the CNBC clip and the Jeep has in-wheel hub motors. I thought either Nissan or perhaps one of the other larger manufactures had a Jeep-looking EV as well. Regardless, it is starting to look like we'll finally have choice. 'Bout time.

tonybelding · 09-23-2008, 11:51 AM

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Originally Posted by DDB

I am frankly thrilled--this may be my BEV that doesn't cost as much as a Tesla. Bet Tesla exec board is not happy about this one.

I find it pretty exciting myself. The only new car dealership in my small town (actually within easy walking distance of my house) is a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep outfit. So if this happens. . . No more thought about having to ship the car 500+ miles for maintenance or repairs.

Now the big question. . . . .

The Dodge EV is a converted Lotus Europa. So would Lotus be assembling the cars for Chrysler, or would Chrysler set up their own assembly plant? The answer to this question would have a very large bearing on the cost and pricing of the cars.

If Lotus assembles the cars, then they have to slot the production in alongside the cars they are making for Tesla, Vauxhall, and of course themselves. The production capacity would be limited. Lotus would take their own cut out of the profits. Exchange rates would be problematic. And with limited production capacity, Chrysler would have little incentive to drive the retail price downward.

If Chrysler set up their own assembly plant in the USA, however. . . Then they could have a lot of opportunity to go higher in volume and drive the costs and prices down.

Regarding the Jeep EV. . . I think the idea of hub motors in an off-road vehicle is very promising. The CNBC video implied it uses hub motors. However. . . CNW Group reported that, "The 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor generates 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque.", and then they came up with this quote from a Chrysler exec: ""We are also exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of ENVI's advanced electric-drive technologies."

So. . . I think the Jeep EV they are showing now has a single electric motor. Hub motors are something they are "exploring" for possible future designs.

doug · 09-23-2008, 11:52 AM

More from Jalopnik:

Chrysler Ev: Chrysler EV Range-Extended Electric Minivan Gets Real Non-CNBC Reveal

Dodge Ev: Chrysler Unveils Dodge EV, A Tesla-Like All-Electric Sports Car

Chrysler Ev: Chrysler "Peapod" Electric For "Gated Communities" Spotted Outside HQ

ABG:
Officially, official: Chrysler's late 2010 electric vehicle lineup! - AutoblogGreen

Gallery: AutoblogGreen

doug · 09-23-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDB

Mine was rhetorical as well; darn computers.

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Originally Posted by DDB

I watched the CNBC clip and the Jeep has in-wheel hub motors.

Doesn't look like it has hub motors in this image. Plus it still has that huge differential. But yeah I think hub motors would be great for an off-road vehicle where handling isn't as much of an issue. Just as long as they can hold up to the abuse.

Kevin Harney · 09-23-2008, 12:15 PM

Being a current Jeep owner, I think that 4 hub motors make GREAT sense !!! It would do wonderful things for the off road capability of the vehicle both in traction and ground clearance. All very good things.

doug · 09-23-2008, 12:19 PM

Chrysler Blog - Chrysler Goes Electric - First Electric Vehicles on Roads Next Year

Chrysler Reveals Details of Lotus-Based Electric Sports Car | The Truth About Cars

Chrysler Goes Electric

In this video it's funny how you hear both Tesla and GM Volt PR talking points.

doug · 09-23-2008, 02:01 PM

Chrysler plugs in big time with three EVs | Up to Speed | Los Angeles Times

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...the Dodge EV, which, like the Tesla Roadster, is based on a Lotus platform. It has a range of 150 to 200 miles and a top speed of more than 120 mph, thanks to a 26 kilowatt/hour battery, and was driven immediately after the presentation. A Dodge engineer, off the record, said he thought it could be a "Tesla killer."

We'll probably have to start a separate thread just about the Dodge EV since it's clearly aimed directly at the Roadster. But for now, I have to say that the more I look into this, the less impressed I am. If you look at the ABG gallery, you see evidence that these vehicles are rather kludgy. I mean they look fine for a small shop conversion, but kinda sad coming from a major. For example, some of the Jeep interior bits are blanked off with plastic and seem a bit misaligned, the charging port is at an odd angle since it's just replacing the fuel filler. On the DodgeEV, the motor driver, and I'd guess the motor and power electronics as well, are from UQM Technologies. Given that the rest of the car is likely from Lotus, I'm left wondering if any part, other than the badge on the front, is from Chrysler. I actually find it annoying when in that PR video, the driver refers to that Europa as a Dodge.

tonybelding · 09-23-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug

We'll probably have to start a separate thread just about the Dodge EV since it's clearly aimed directly at the Roadster.

Did they really say Tesla killer? I'd like the know the logic behind that. . . Because it's nearly identical to a Tesla, aside from less acceleration and a lot less range.

The acceleration wouldn't be a big deal to me. Even the Dodge has a faster 0-60 MPH time than my old Esprit did, and the Esprit is a very fast car. The range, however. . . I once calculated my minimum acceptable range and came up with 200 miles. The Dodge EV with 150 miles range would be tough to accept, unless the price is a lot lower -- and even if it is, that hardly equates it with a "Tesla killer".

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I'd guess the motor and power electronics as well, are from UQM Technologies.

I'd guess that all three vehicles use the same motor, for now. My interpretation is that hub motors are not used in this Jeep, but are something that Chrysler would like to use in some vague future time.