Today, Chrysler submitted three proposals to the U.S. Department of Energy. The $448 million plan will help the company produce electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and get them on the streets as soon as possible. The three vehicles that were included in the proposal include a Dodge Ram 1500 plug-in hybrid, a Chrysler Town & Country plug-in hybrid, and a Chrysler Town & Country electric vehicle.

“Chrysler LLC applied for two initiatives established by the DOE–the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative. Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and PHEVs. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity with $224 million from Chrysler LLC and its partners, combined with a matching $224 million from the DOE. These funds will accelerate the market introduction and penetration of advanced powertrains.” Source: PR Newswire

Chrysler plans to demonstrate 100 Dodge Ram PHEVs and 100 Chrysler Town & Country PHEVs. The models were chosen, as they are two of Chrysler’s most popular product lines.

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Filed Under: Chrysler, Dodge

Even though the Chrysler Town & Country EV is only a concept, you can still find some minivans that have a smaller environmental impact than others do. Last year, the Toyota Sienna topped the list of Greenest Minivans of 2008. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has published its list of the top rated minivans for 2009 and the Toyota Sienna tops the list again.

The Toyota Sienna meets both the Tier 2 bin 5 and ULEV II Emission Standards and has a 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway rating. The overall Green Score of the vehicle is 32 and the class ranking is Superior. The average vehicle looked at by ACEEE scores a 30 with the highest ranked vehicle scoring in the 50s and the lowest in the teens. The Sienna is above average for this year.

The second place vehicle is the Honda Odyssey with a Green Score of 31. Last year, the Odyssey was in third place with the same Green Score.

The Chrysler Town & Country dropped down a spot to number three for this year with a Green Score of 31 and an above average class ranking. The other two minivans to make the list are the Dodge Caravan (Green Score: 31) and the Nissan Quest (Green Score: 32).

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Filed Under: Chrysler, Dodge, honda, nissan, toyota

The North American International Auto Show is off to an amazing start. I woke up to oodles of press releases in my inbox including a whole host of new green offerings. First up is the Dodge Circuit EV. Chrysler Motors has released details on several new electric vehicle concepts. Considering the fact that Chrysler nixed its current hybrid offerings, this is good news from the troubled automaker.

Dodge Circuit EV Highlights
• 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds
• 13 second ¼ mile
• 120+ mph top speed
• 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor
• Driving range of 150 to 200 miles
• Plug in to a standard 110 volt outlet; reduced charging time using 220 volt outlet

“The Dodge Circuit EV design screams pure sports car from every angle. The Dodge Circuit EV’s profile demonstrates perfect proportions for balanced handling, placing the driver and passenger midway along the wheelbase. At the front of the vehicle, the distinctive Dodge crosshair grille splits the wind, sending it over the long, low hood and cleanly over the windshield and cockpit. The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish. “ (Source: Chrysler)

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, Dodge, electric vehicles

In September 2008, Chrysler sales were down 32.8% over September 2007. It should then come as no surprise that Chrysler is planning on reducing its workforce, closing production plants and cutting vehicles from its lineup. What is somewhat surprising is the brand new Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids are two casualties of Chrysler’s economic decisions. The news comes just days after an official Chrysler press release revealing the official EPA fuel efficiency ratings for the two models. The vehicles, which have only been in full production status for two months, are made at the Newark, Delaware plant.

“The Newark Assembly Plant builds Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen and has been operating on one shift since July 2006. Its idling was first announced in February 2007. Newark Assembly Plant currently has approximately 1,000 employees who are represented by UAW Locals 1183 and 1212.” (Source: Chrysler Media Site)

The plant will officially close on December 31, 2008 and thus the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids will see an end to their short lives. Chrysler is not abandoning their hybrid technology however. The company has announced plans for a Dodge Ram Hybrid to be released in 2010.

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Filed Under: Chrysler, Dodge, General