Detroit 2009: Chrysler adds Jeep Patriot EV to its ER-EV lineup

Chrysler has added a fourth member to its family of prospective electric and extended range electric vehicles. The Jeep Patriot EV may be actually be the most viable member based on its relatively compact size. Like the larger Wrangler and Chrysler Town and Country, the Patriot uses electric drive with a lithium-ion battery pack of unknown capacity. The 150 kW motor drives the front wheels and the battery is claimed to give a 40-mile driving range on a charge. A 60-hp engine and generator extend the range to a claimed 400 miles. Acceleration to 60 mph is also claimed to be 8 seconds.

Since the Patriot shares its platform with the Dodge Caliber, this powertrain could easily be added to the latter model, as well. Interestingly, Chrysler has chosen to use a significantly smaller range extender than the drive motor. A 60-hp range extender should have no problem operating in charge sustaining mode. However, during acceleration the battery would have to draw on more of its buffer, dipping well below the 30% "depletion" threshold to provide sufficient power. This may all prove to be moot if Chrysler remains unsustainable as a going concern.

[Source: Chrysler]

PRESS RELEASE

Jeep® Patriot EV

Chrysler's ENVI electric-vehicle technology meets industry's most capable compact SUV

400-mile total driving range
40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions

Jeep® Patriot EV joins the growing portfolio of electric-drive vehicles being developed by Chrysler LLC.

As a Range-extended Electric Vehicle, the Jeep Patriot EV combines the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today's gasoline-powered vehicles.

"The Jeep Patriot EV expands our portfolio of ENVI electric-drive vehicles and is just one more example of what is possible through the technology Chrysler is developing," said Lou Rhodes, President, – ENVI, and Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler LLC. "Moreover, the Patriot EV provides socially responsible, advanced electric technology in the industry's most capable compact SUV."

The Jeep Patriot EV features a refined and clean front appearance to match the refined and clean powertrain. The signature Jeep grille features vertical accents, and the front fascia is a separate component to help set the grille apart. The use of body-color paint, blended with matte black B- and C-pillars, visually creates a smooth and elongated profile.

The unique wheel design and size gives the Jeep Patriot EV a wide stance which combines with the paint treatment to produce a sporty form. The interior of the Jeep Patriot EV features all of the elements introduced in the refreshed 2009 Jeep Patriot.

The Jeep Patriot EV uses an electric-drive motor, advanced lithium-ion battery system and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. Range-extended Electric Vehicles provide customers a no-compromise means of dramatically reducing their gasoline use and carbon footprint. The Jeep Patriot EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

The Jeep Patriot EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior with a prominent "EV" graphic adorning both sides – top-to-bottom – of the vehicle.

Jeep® Patriot EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle,
5-passenger SUV

Weight and Dimensions
Length 173.6 inches / 4409 mm
Width 69.1 inches / 1755 mm
Height 65.7 inches / 1669mm
Wheelbase 103.7 inches / 2634 mm
Front overhang 34.8 inches / 883.9 mm
Rear overhang 35.1 inches / 892 mm
Track front / rear 59.8 inches / 1519 mm 59.8 inches / 1519 mm
Approach angle 27.5 degrees
Departure angle 31.4 degrees
Turn circle 35.6 feet / 10.85 m

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Front-wheel drive
Motor Power: 150 kW (200 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - McPherson strut
Rear - Independent
Range extender SULEV gasoline engine and electric generator
Continuous electric power: 45 kW (60 hp)
Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P245 / 45R20 28.7 inches / 728 mm
Tire size rear P245 / 45R20 28.7 inches / 728 mm

Color Scheme
Exterior ENVI Green Pearl
Interior Dark Slate Gray

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) approximately 8 seconds
Standing ¼-mile low-16 seconds
Top speed greater than 100 mph (approximately 161 kph)
All-electric range 40 miles (approximately 64 km)
Total driving range up to 400 miles (approximately 644 km)