The New Alternative to Gasoline: Electric and Clean
ENVI: Will we be seeing Electric Vehicles on the road?
Over the past ten years, or so, hybrid vehicles have made their mark. They have quickly begun to populate the road, with more models, and even better technologies every year. They have also proven to be a ‘green’ alternative to conventional gasoline driven vehicles, getting excellent mileage compared to their gasoline cousins. Many automakers have jumped aboard the hybrid train, but one automaker, in particular, is heading in their own direction. Chrysler LLC created their own division for electric vehicle R&D, and it is called ENVI. The new Chrysler ENVI combines sleek design with electric performance that offers clean, economical solutions to transportation. The ENVI vehicles are slated to hit the market in 2010, just before they head over to Europe. ENVI has a number of vehicles in its lineup – including fuel-less electric vehicles and fuel efficient range-extended electric vehicles. So far ENVI has rolled out the Jeep Wrangler EV, the Jeep Patriot EV, the all-electric Dodge Circuit, the Chrysler Town & Country EV, and the Chrysler 200c EV concept. This wide range of vehicle types will ensure that no matter what kind of car you’re looking for, you’ll find it in a fuel-efficient version as well.
The Dodge Circuit, a fuel-less car, runs on a battery and has a range of 150-200 miles. The range-extended ENVI cars car can also be charged on a standard household outlet. However, the range-extended car drives for about 40 miles on that battery power, then can go another 400 miles or so based on the battery power charge that the car gets as it runs.
In addition to helping you save money on fuel, the ENVI lineup will help to save the environment. These cars can also go just about as fast as a normal car; the Jeep EV will go up to 90 MPH, the Chrysler will go to about 100 MPH and the Dodge will go up to 120 MPH. Chrysler as promised one model to be in production by 2010, and more to follow over the next few year. Only time will tell if electric vehicles will be an accepted part of the vehicle market, but one thing is for sure, electric vehicles, including ENVI models, are a step in the right direction of making are roads cleaner and greener.
Posted by reedman on Apr 17 2009 in Green Vehicles