Under Fiat SpA, Chrysler has dismantled a team of engineers dedicated to developing a range of electric-vehicles. The move marks a major reversal for Chrysler, which had used its ENVI department and its electric-car program in order to receive $12.5 billion in federal aid.

In August, Chrysler took a $70 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and test a fleet of 220 hybrid pickups and minivans that are now scrapped from its turnaround plan that CEO Sergio Marchionne announced earlier this week. Spokesman Nick Cappa said that on Friday, Chrysler had disbanded ENVI for a more traditional organization.

“Envi is absorbed into the normal vehicle development program,” Cappa told Reuters.

Under the new plan presented by Marchionne, ENVI’s chief Lou Rhodes will become the executive in charge of developing electric-cars for both Fiat and Chrysler.

Originally, Chrysler had plans to launch its first electric-vehicles by 2010. It had pledged to have 500,000 electric-cars on the road by 2013.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters

So what’s going to happen to Chrysler’s ENVI division and their never-ending lineup of electric-vehicle concepts now that the Auburn Hills automaker has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy? According to a report by earth2tech, now that Fiat will eventually own 35 percent of Chrysler, the company’s ENVI division and its partnership with battery maker A123Systems are up in the air.

Chrysler announced earlier this year that it has partnered with A123Systems to provide advanced Nonophosphate Lithium-ion prismatic battery-cells for its plug-in electric-vehicles. The ENVI lineup, which consists of concepts such as the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Chrysler 200C EV, was expected to introduce its first production model in 2010. The group was also planning an all-new electric minivan concept for the U.S. Postal Service.

earth2tech said that with Fiat on board, Chrysler’s electric-vehicle lineup could get some lightweight compact and subcompact platforms from the Italian automaker.

J.D. Power and Associates powertrain analyst Mike Omotoso speculates that the bankruptcy judge or Fiat itself may decide to cancel Chrysler’s ENVI program completely since it may be too expensive.

Omotoso said that he expects Chrysler to put all their electric-ambitions on hold until further notice.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters and AutoblogGreen)

Chrysler announced today that it has formed a partnership with U.S.-based battery supplier A123Systems for advanced Nonophosphate Lithium-ion prismatic battery-cells that will be used in the company’s first production electric-vehicles.

A123Systems will be responsible for supplying energy storage systems for Chrysler’s first-generation of ENVI REVs (range-extended vehicles) and BEVs (battery-only electric vehicles).

Chrysler currently has five ENVI concepts including the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Chrysler 200C EV concept. The Auburn Hills automaker hopes to have its first production electric-vehicle on the market by 2010.

Click through for the press release.

Chrysler 200C EV:

Dodge Circuit EV:

Jeep Patriot EV:

Press Release:

Chrysler LLC Forms Strategic Alliance with A123Systems for ENVI Electric Vehicle Lineup

 A123Systems to Supply Michigan-made Lithium-ion Battery

    - Chrysler LLC signs agreement with A123Systems, a U.S.-based battery supplier, for advanced Nanophosphate™ Lithium ion prismatic battery cells, and jointly developed battery modules and battery packs for Chrysler”s Range-extended Electric Vehicle and battery-only Electric Vehicle production programs

    - Partnership reinforces both companies” commitment to expand battery manufacturing technology in the United States, reducing dependency on foreign sources of energy and greenhouse gas emissions

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 6, 2009  -  Chrysler LLC today announced one of its strategic partners and production battery supplier for the company”s first production electric vehicles. Chrysler LLC and A123Systems have signed an agreement stating that A123Systems will supply energy storage systems for Chrysler”s first-generation ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicles and battery only Electric Vehicles. A123Systems is an American battery supplier with plans for a Michigan-based production facility.

“This is a great example of two American companies working together to put cutting-edge technology on the road,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President ““ Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “The most significant challenge to electric vehicles is battery technology. The diligent selection of strategic partners like A123Systems helps Chrysler achieve its leadership in electric-drive systems and vehicles.”

“Chrysler’s partnership with A123Systems marks a significant milestone at a critical time in the automotive industry and in the state of Michigan,” said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “This strategic alliance that will result in two companies joining forces to develop and produce advanced technology in Michigan will create new jobs in the state, deliver benefits to consumers and contribute significantly to bringing more environmentally friendly vehicles to market.”

The heart of ENVI”s battery system is a scalable battery module, as demonstrated in ENVI”s five electric-drive vehicles showcased at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five vehicles included the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep® Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Chrysler 200C EV concept. At the reveal, Chrysler announced its intention to bring the company”s first production electric vehicle to market in 2010.

Individual lithium ion prismatic cells are integrated with a proprietary battery management safety system to create an efficient and flexible energy storage solution. This strategy is integrated in all of Chrysler”s upcoming electric-drive vehicles, helping increase production volumes of the shared battery cell and shared battery module. Chrysler”s approach reduces development time, investment, and overall battery system cost by combining the economics of high-volume component sharing without sacrificing the battery pack flexibility needed to develop a wide range of customer-driven electric-drive vehicles.

“We”re very proud to have been selected to supply advanced battery systems for Chrysler”s family of ENVI electric-drive vehicles,” said David Vieau, President and CEO of A123Systems. “This bold move by Chrysler changes the game and greatly improves our country”s ability to modernize our transportation fleet. We”re confident that our collaboration with Chrysler will serve as proof that American innovation is alive and well and ready to lead the new global market for fuel-efficient electric vehicles.”

A123Systems advanced lithium-ion battery chemistry has the capability of meeting consumer demands for performance, driving range, and durability. A123Systems is currently planning a site in Michigan where it will manufacture Nanophosphate Lithium ion prismatic battery cells, modules and battery packs for Chrysler LLC.

“Chrysler has successfully worked with A123Systems, both directly and through USCAR, for more than 3 years to improve the technology for automotive applications,” said Lou Rhodes, Vice President ““ Advanced Vehicle Engineering and President of ENVI. “We have confidence that by partnering with A123Systems our near-term and long-term electrification goals will be met.”

“Government and society are calling for the introduction of a variety of advanced propulsion vehicles,” said John Bozzella, Senior Vice President ““ External Affairs and Public Policy, Chrysler LLC. “This partnership with A123Systems signifies Chrysler’s commitment to contribute to our nation’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chrysler’s partnership with A123Systems represents a win-win-win for the American consumer, American manufacturing and the environment.”

ENVI ““ letters that represent the first four letters of environment ““ is Chrysler LLC”s entrepreneurial in-house organization focused on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies. ENVI is a cross-functional, nimble team empowered to move quickly and access vast resources within Chrysler LLC in order to integrate electric- vehicle technology into existing products.

“With ENVI-powered electric vehicles, Chrysler LLC is inspiring a personal mobility revolution, creating a new generation of responsible, no-compromise Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles,” said Klegon.

- By: Omar Rana

Chrysler showed up to Detroit last week with five electric-drive concepts – none of which it has a concrete plan to build. According to Automotive News, Chrysler hopes to put at least one into production next year but the automaker is facing major obstacles.

Unlike its rival General Motors, Chrysler has not confirmed who will supply the lithium-ion battery for its electric-vehicles nor has it set a firm production date.

President of Chrysler’s ENVI division Lou Rhodes said that the company has already decided which one of the five vehicles it plans on producing next year but declined to identify it. He said that Chrysler is testing a total of 100 plug-in hybrids in commercial fleets this year.

Including the Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, Chrysler unveiled a new Jeep Patriot EV, a mid-sized Chrysler 200C EV and the Lotus based Dodge Circuit EV.

Chrysler 200C EV:

Dodge Circuit EV:

Jeep Patriot EV:

Tomorrow at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chrysler’s ENVI department will be showing off a number of electric-vehicles and EREVs (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle). Joining the Jeep EV, Chrysler EV and the Dodge EV will be the Jeep Patriot EV.

As an EREV, the Jeep Patriot EV uses an electric-motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the system when needed. The front-wheel-drive 5-passenger SUV produces a total of 150 kW (200-hp) from motor power and an additional 45 kW (60-hp) on continuous electric-power. The Jeep Patriot EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation. 0 to 60 mph comes in approximately 8 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph.

The Jeep Patriot EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior with a prominent “EV” graphics. Of course, this is just a concept and Chrysler has not yet said anything about when or if it will enter production.

Jeep Patriot EV: