2008 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
- Looks like: Chrysler’s take on the Toyota Prius
- Defining characteristics: Dual vertical skylights
- Ridiculous features: Retractable mousepad to control functions
- Chance of being mass-produced: Zippo, until electric power is commonplace
We don’t like to be totally down on a concept car — they’re supposed to be flights of fancy. But Chrysler begins its press release about the ecoVoyager — and two other electric concepts, the Dodge ZEO and Jeep Renegade — by saying that all car companies have access to the same technology. Meaning that even though Chrysler hasn’t confirmed that it’s developing the electric and gasoline-electric hybrid technology it says will power these concepts, that doesn’t mean it can’t show off the concept. GM, Ford and Toyota have either shown working prototypes or will begin testing them soon.
That disclaimer out of the way, we can talk about the Chrysler ecoVoyager. Its futuristic look and slight resemblance to the Toyota Prius are supposed to evoke feelings of environmental friendliness, and at that it succeeds. The bulbous shape should be aerodynamic, and its small size should help keep weight down. Those are two characteristics necessary in ultra-efficient cars.
A small electric motor powers the four wheels. Most similar systems we’ve seen haven’t mentioned such lofty equivalent horsepower numbers, so this concept’s claimed 268 hp sounds quite lofty. The motor alone should go 40 miles on a full electric charge. If it doesn’t, something Chrysler calls a range extender will kick in to recharge the batteries. The ecoVoyager’s range extender is a hydrogen fuel cell that will allow for a 300-mile range. All of this sounds very similar to what GM said when it rolled out the Chevy Volt at last year’s Detroit auto show.
The ecoVoyager is a nifty design, but we’re not sure car buyers will be willing to wait for Chrysler to catch up to the competition simply for design’s sake. There are a lot of photos below, so if the look thrills you — or not — let us know.
