There may be new owners in town, but the corporate shuffle isn’t stopping Chrysler LLC from charging ahead with forward-thinking, environmentally friendly concepts. Using Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep as platforms, three vehicles will be unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. All three incorporate electric motors powered by advanced lithium-ion battery packs, which are supplemented by an alternative-fuel system tailored to each brand’s personality.


Chrysler’s ecoVoyager Concept is a bubble-shaped sedan accentuated with flowing lines and a slender profile that utilizes a “one-box” design as opposed to typical “three-box” sedan designs (one compartement for engine, one for people and one for luggage). Beneath the private jet-inspired cabin lies an advanced lithium-ion battery pack that powers a 200-kW motor. Regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, and the electric drivetrain is augmented with a small hydrogen fuel cell that extends the vehicle’s cruising range to over 300 miles. Zero-60 mph is expected to take less than 8 seconds.


The long-nosed, low-slung, Dodge ZEO Concept is the hot rod of the group, and is propelled solely by electric power. Dubbed a “2+2 sport wagon,” the ZEO’s lithium-ion battery should be capable of propelling the ZEO at least 250 miles. While going from 0-60 in under 6 seconds reduces cruising range, it enables the ZEO to approach HEMI performance territory.


Of the three, the insect-like Jeep Renegade Concept is the most imaginatively designed. This B-segment two-seater sports a stubby speedster windshield, a roll bar and a hose-out interior ready for sloppy offroad expeditions, while the minimalist interior features eco-friendly materials. Featuring a 4X4 system propelled by dual electric motors, its 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack is paired with a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine that should produce fuel economy in excess of 110 mpg.

While these concept cars are thematically diverse, each is designed around the reality that typical commutes involve roundtrip drives of less than 40 miles. Though their sheetmetal is bold, these individualized zero emissions powertrains show us the number ways Chrylser LLC might be ready for a greener future. —Basem Wasef