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Chrysler Announces Electric Vehicle Lineup Plans

Feb 9, 2022

If you’re a car enthusiast, you might already know that the future of the industry may center on the electric vehicle. With environmentally friendly, fuel-saving features, the electric vehicle can provide customers with the powerful experience they desire while improving the environmental impact on the world. So far, many vehicle manufacturers have understood the benefits of the electric movement and plan to expand their offerings accordingly. Other manufacturers, like Chrysler, have been slower to start. Recently the brand announced an ambitious and future-leaning transition into electric automotive vehicles. Here’s everything we know about Chrysler’s electric car strategy for now and the future.

gray Chrysler Pacific Hybrid charging at home in Paris, KY

Image via Mopar.com

What’s Available Now?

Right now, Chrysler doesn’t have any fully electric vehicles available for purchase. However, if you’re searching for a fuel-efficient Chrysler vehicle, you can always go for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available at your Paris, Kentucky, Chrysler dealer. This vehicle is the only plug-in hybrid minivan currently available in the country. Although not fully electric, it does offer drivers the opportunity to use electric charging as Chrysler transitions into fully remote options.

The Pacifica Hybrid offers an electric range for local driving and a gas range for longer trips. The vehicle can go 32 miles on an electric charge that takes only two hours to complete, and 488 miles on gas, for a total driving range of 520 miles. With regenerative braking, a process where the vehicle’s battery captures energy from the brakes when applied, this vehicle has already demonstrated Chrysler’s commitment to capturing the electric buzz. The goal for the future is for electric vehicles to go much farther on an electric charge alone.

Besides hybrid fuel economy, which is available in the Touring L, Limited and Pinnacle Pacifica trims, this vehicle also offers 81 different seating configurations and even more cargo space than a full-size SUV. All trims offer a storage-enhancing ultra console, interactive touch-screen charging control station, and standard SafetyTec enhancements. The upgraded Pinnacle trim offers additional features like an interior cabin camera. With a one-time $7,500 federal tax credit, this hybrid vehicle can be a great way for you to get rewarded for starting your electric journey.

What’s Coming Soon?

At the recent 2022 Consumer Electronics Show, Chrysler announced their bold electric vehicle plan, starting by offering the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle by 2025. The all-electric Chrysler Airflow concept is estimated to include technology that delivers a 350- to 400-mile electric range and fast-charging functionality. A far cry even from the company’s hybrid, this vehicle should allow drivers to drive on electric power alone.

Although the Airflow takes its name from the historic full-size Chrysler Airflow vehicle produced from 1934 to 1937, this electric vehicle is anything but old-fashioned. The Airflow is estimated to offer all-wheel drive and two 150kW motors, one in each axle. This drivetrain may be adjusted in the future as the model gets closer to production, though.

The Airflow is also expected to include auto-driving technology, which can be updated “over the air.” At Level 3, the vehicle is expected to offer highly automated driving where a driver may only need to take over the wheel at request. This technology is ambitious, as it comes with many potential hazards and has not yet been widely implemented.

Another proposed addition, the STLA Brain, will power the vehicle’s Smart CockPit, which uses several screens to sync digital, home, and work environments for a personalized experience for every driver. Chrysler says that this personalized interface will connect users with their digital lives, although it isn’t clear yet exactly what this means for users. It’s expected for the vehicle to include enhanced connection options like Apple CarPlay.

For the car’s exterior, the Airflow will make its electric capability immediately obvious with an illuminated Chrysler Wing logo on the front grille and full-width light bars on the front and rear of the vehicle, which are both common features of other brands’ electric offerings. The Airflow will also have a long wheelbase and 22-inch tires. On the interior, the vehicle’s focus on entertainment and digital connection will show through a central infotainment screen and smaller driver, passenger, and rear screens.

While the Airflow is still just a concept, it does seem to be close to production-ready. Chrysler says that its first electric vehicle should start production by 2025. Any of these features may be subject to change as production gets closer. There might also be more offerings as time passes, so be sure to follow our blog to receive updates on this vehicle and Chrysler’s push into electric.

Goals for the Future

When Chrysler announced the Airflow concept, it also announced its plans to create a fully battery-electric portfolio by 2028. This ambitious goal would keep Chrysler right in line with, and possibly ahead of, other companies with electric offerings. Although it can cost more for companies to produce electric cars, Chrysler has indicated that it finds it important to offer customers an opportunity to select a car that matches their preferences for performance, style, and capability while offering fuel-efficient electric technology.

One way to increase buyers’ likelihood of purchasing an electric vehicle is to offer more models to fit preferences. Another way is to develop strategies to reduce costs, making electric vehicles an affordable investment. One proposed way to do this would be improved customer financing options.

But Chrysler also believes that improving electric infrastructure can help make an electric vehicle a more standard option for consumers. Right now, supply chain issues and a lack of electric charging infrastructure might force Chrysler to develop a large-scale plan to make their electric vehicles scalable. As competitors surge ahead with their electric offerings, Chrysler has an opportunity not only to catch up but to surpass.

If you have any questions about Chrysler, the benefits of electric vehicles, or which vehicle may be right for you, you can always contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you step into the future with Chrysler.

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