Chrysler EcoVoyager Electric Car Uses Hydrogen Fuel Cell
By Todd Kaho
Just six months ago, Chrysler announced a new in-house division charged with advancing electric drive technology. A skunk-works type operation, the group, known as ENVI, is already credited with producing the three stunning Chrysler concepts unveiled at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Rounding out the trio, which includes the Dodge ZEO and Jeep Renegade concepts that Green Car has recently covered, is the electric Chrysler ecoVoyager with fuel cell range extender.
EcoVoyager’s 16 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack and fuel cell are located mid-ship below the passenger compartment for balanced weight distribution. The cell has enough juice to propel the ecoVoyager approximately 40 miles before a charge is needed. That’s plenty of range for most commutes and daily errands. When greater range is needed, a compact hydrogen fuel cell comes on line to extend the range to over 300 miles … with water vapor as the only tailpipe emissions. Hydrogen is stored in two 10,000 psi high pressure tanks to the rear of the fuel cell stack.
The front wheels are driven by a 200 kW electric motor mounted transversely in what would be the engine compartment in traditional designs. The 200 kW is equivalent to 268 horsepower, plenty of power to accelerate the 2,750 pound ecoVoyager from 0-60 mph in less than 8 seconds. Chrysler claims a 115 mph top speed and standing quarter mile time under 13 seconds. The powertrain makes efficient use of regenerative braking to recapture electrical energy and recharge the Li-ion pack.
EcoVoyager is very pleasing to the eye. Styled is a teardrop form, it pushes crossover styling out a decade or more. Drawing on many elements from the company’s styling portfolio, ecoVoyager is readily identifiable as a Chrysler product. Essentially a “one-box” form, ecoVoyager is designed for maximum interior efficiency much like a minivan.
The design flows rearward from the large winged Chrysler badge at the top of the trapezoidal grille to a very distinctive “boat tail” rear end treatment. The feeling of interior spaciousness is accentuated by two large overhead glass panels that span from the windshield header all the way to the rear of the roof. Another unique design element is the raised center spine that divides the two roof panels and leads the eye to the rear window that mimics the shape of the grille.
EcoVoyager is painted a silvery-blue that Chrysler calls Polar Ice Blue, which works well to accentuate the dramatic body lines. One doesn’t normally associate blue cars with a rich image, but this tone carries the plush feel quite well. What would a concept car be without an overstated wheel and tire package? Chrysler fitted the ecoVoyager with polished 22 inch alloy wheels with P235/45R22x8 inch Goodyear low-profile tires.
Rather than maximize seating capacity in the roomy interior, ecoVoyager designers chose to go with four individual contoured bucket seats so every occupant is treated to first class accommodations. Each seat offers heat and massage functions with controls mounted on the armrests. The rear seats are positioned far to the rear of the cabin to provide plenty of leg room for even the tallest passengers. Access on each side of the vehicle is through a pair of doors that hinge to the outside of the large opening, eliminating the need for a center door pillar.
The interior is trimmed in a light dove gray with brushed aluminum and cherry wood accents. Ahead of the front seat occupants is a large full-width display screen set just below the base of the windshield to fall well within the driver’s line of sight. The two outboard sections of the screen display images from left and right side view cameras with another center rear view camera feeding a rear view mirror image in front of the driver. To minimize distraction, the screen only displays the driver information needed rather than all the operational data. The screen can even show a movie that’s only visible from the passenger seat.
EcoVoyager’s dash is a clean design that’s devoid of the usual array of buttons, switches, and controls for climate and audio functions. Those functions are managed by a slide-out center console with hot buttons and a mouse pad for high-tech control. Individual audio to each seat is provided by a direct sound system emanating from the headliner. The design provides private listening without the need for headphones.
With concepts like the ecoVoyager, Renegade, and ZEO, Chrysler’s ENVI venture is off to an impressive start. Chrysler’s decision to go green with ENVI is clearly a move in the right direction.
Want to know more about electric vehicles with range extenders? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
Chevrolet Volt Plug-In Hybrid
General Motors Unveils Opel Flextreme Diesel-Electric Hybrid
Ford Edge Hydrogen Plug-In Hybrid
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