Thursday, July 2, 2009

Dodge Circuit EV


Many of my previous posts have covered new electric cars and hybrids.....it appears that the electric revolution has started. There are two trends that are influencing electric car development, the first is the price of fuel, which is anticipated to increase substantially, the second is global warming.

Since, automobiles contribute substantially to global warming the smart idea to to eliminate the by products of the internal combustion engine. So, an electric car substantially reduces both major issues.....today's post covers a new electric car by Chrysler the Dodge Circuit.

Chrysler has lagged behind in the development of green vehicles but Chrysler executives said the day is coming when the whole Chrysler fleet has electric powertrains. "The goal is to achieve fundamental technology, get economies of scale, improve our ability to make the future generations more robust, less cost, smaller, more powerful, better performance," according to Bill Press V.P & President. "Ultimately it will lead to a transformation of our entire fleet that will be in some manner electric drive."


The Dodge Circuit EV sports car, is a two-passenger, rear wheel drive, all electric sports car that combines a lithium-ion battery pack with a 200-kilowatt motor, capable of generating 268 horsepower. The 0-60 mph. time is less than 5 seconds and with a top speed of approximately 120 mph (190 km/h). This car is built by cooperation with Lotus Motors and is almost identical to the Tesla Roadster.

The Circuit is based on the European Lotus Europa S...it includes a 268 horsepower electric motor as well as an advanced lithium-ion battery. Chrysler indicates that the Circuit has a range of 150 to 200 miles, which is similar to the Tesla Roadster.

Pricing has not been announced but the base price of a European spec Lotus Europa S is £33,000 $54,120 USD. That price does not include the changes to electrify the vehicle....the similar Tesla Roadster starts at $109,000 UDS.


SUMMARY:

Tesla started this new paradigm of using another manufacturers vehicle shell then adding the electric systems. This is substantially cheaper way to manufacture a car without starting from the ground up. It is another salvo in the beginning of the electric revolution
!

8 comments:

  1. This car looks HOT. Have you seen the movie Transformer? This car looks like it is going to get up and do some super hero thing. I like it a lot.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Giovanna Garcia
    Imperfect Action is better than No Acion

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Giovanna,

    The Dodge Circuit is a good looking car. It acually a hot car with fast electric performance.

    Yes, I have seen Transformers...it is good action movie. Thanks for your comment!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Pete,

    Good for Chrysler for "getting in the game" when it comes to making green vehicles. Better late than never. I think alot of consumers are much more savvy about environmental issues.

    Must tell you, Hugo and I recognized a Tesla Roadster because of one of your previous posts! Keep up the great work! :-)

    Many Blessings....

    Roxanne and Hugo
    Believe Achieve

    P.S. Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Roxanne and Hugo.

    Green is definitely going to be the hot ticket going forward. Chrysler appears to remaking themselves....I certainly wish them success.

    Thank you for your comments! I appreciate you visiting and commenting on my blog!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast ONline

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Pete .. what a brilliant colour .. my beetle was that colour!!!! As the executives say they are fast developing the new technologies that always get a kick out of recessions ..
    let's hope their sales pick up .. following your comments in your next post ..

    have a great week ahead ..
    Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Hilary,

    It is a great color for a sports car! The car is also very fast!

    Your right this recession will bring out some good people, ideas, and products. We are seeing a great deal of creative thought in car designs, electric cars, hybrids, new powertrains etc.

    If Chrysler does what it says it is planning....in couple of years their sales will be booming!

    Thanks for your comment! Have a wonderful week!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello Peter,
    What a lovely looking car. Thank you for telling us about it. Good luck to Chrysler. Hope it works out for them in the long run. Things have not gone there way so far. Hope it does better for them soon.
    Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Dan & Deanna,

    Chrysler has been behind the curve for a number of years....with poor products, designs, and reliability.

    I certainly hope that they have turned the corner...the government saved them from a total liquidation. If they do what they have outlined...they should be doing well within 2-3 years.

    Thank you for your comments!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

    ReplyDelete