TOPIC 'Hydrogen & Hydrogen Cars' on Nov 10, 2008 (CET)
Peapod Is Another EV Option For Chrysler’s Portfolio
The automaker Chrysler has created a new division and dedicated a portion of its staff to manufacturing three EVs (electric vehicles) by 2010. A fourth EV alternative and green-friendly car, the Peapod, has also been announced as a viable Chrysler product in 2010. The Peapod will come in three varieties: with one seat, two seats, or as a utility van. It will provide 30 miles of driving per electric charge and is expected to cost approximately $20,000.
The Peapod was developed by Green Eco Mobility (GEM), a subdivision of Chrysler, and it is referred to as a car for the “gated community.” A possible down side to the Peapod is that the maximum speed it is capable of reaching is 25 mph. It could, however, be an efficient car for local driving needs. The Peapod is slated to begin production in 2009.
Chrysler recently introduced the plan to manufacture four vehicles that operated either partially or completely with an electric power train. The vehicles are part of Chrysler’s ENVI program aiming efforts at electric modes of transportation. The new ENVI division was created to develop hybrid and electric vehicles with a goal of better fuel mileage and more environmentally friendly vehicle alternatives.
The ENVI automobiles include a minivan, a four-door Jeep Wrangler, and the Peapod. The specific details about operation of the electric-powered vehicles include the ability to recharge on a 110/220 voltage, which is the current in a standard home. It can charge completely on a 220 voltage in four hours, or it can take 10 hours on a 110 current. The Hemi engine is gone, replaced with a battery pack of lithium-ion. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph before you can count to five, and it has a range of between 150 and 200 miles.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
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