Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production

 

2009 dodge circuit ev concept 004

The production model will be so be so light that it won’t require power steering

The production model will be so be so light that it won’t require power steering

Enlarge Photo
Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment.

Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV.

With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that will undercut by "tens of thousands", the Dodge Circuit EV should prove a huge success, provided it can deliver on its claims.

We’ve already seen a preview of the car in the form of the Dodge Circuit EV concept from January’s Detroit Auto Show, and the production version would have its chassis assembled by Lotus in Europe, then shipped to the U.S. for the electric drivetrain install.

As yet, there's not official timeline for the car's release, but prototypes are currently under testing. Following the sports car, CNNMoney previously reported that Chrysler will then add electric sedans, SUVs and crossover models, and some also based on Fiat platforms.
Via: AllCarsElectric



 
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Comments (6)
  1. tesla takes the elise, chrysler takes the europa. sounds like a pretty safe way to get into the market. the real question is, are the people who are interested in the tesla at $100k going to buy a chrysler that is essentially the same vehicle (just a little more planted) for anywhere near that price... or even half that amount?

    It's going to be a great car no doubt.. the differences between the tesla and the elise are that it doesnt handle quite as sharply but is much faster.. just what americans want... but the europa is a slightly bigger car. perfect.

    I'm just waiting for ford to offer the mustang in a GTE trim. that would be perfect. pony/muscle cars will benefit the most from early electrics.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. tesla takes the elise, chrysler takes the europa. sounds like a pretty safe way to get into the market. the real question is, are the people who are interested in the tesla at $100k going to buy a chrysler that is essentially the same vehicle (just a little more planted) for anywhere near that price... or even half that amount?

    It's going to be a great car no doubt.. the differences between the tesla and the elise are that it doesnt handle quite as sharply but is much faster.. just what americans want... but the europa is a slightly bigger car. perfect.

    I'm just waiting for ford to offer the mustang in a GTE trim. that would be perfect. pony/muscle cars will benefit the most from early electrics.

    It is not for great sales numbers, it is to show they care about the enviroment, are moving to fuel effiency etc.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. That is cool, I think its a good start, but they still need to work on quality and looks.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. Should make it look more like the Viper
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. To me the front and back already look like a mini Viper, and they didn't even have to change much. However, I hope they differentiate the styling from the Europa more, even though I doubt many Americans will know of the car it's based on. I almost feel as if launching a electric sports car right out of bankruptcy is a little optimistic, but I wish them luck.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  6. I can't wait to start selling these things. I've been working as technical sales for EVComponents for about 4 months now and its been non-stop. Can't wait to see what else my boss has up his sleeve.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Research New Cars

Go!


 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.
 

Use the form below to send us a tip, give us feedback, or just say hello.

(max 750 characters)