Chrysler presents Dodge Circuit EV at Detroit Auto Show

Posted Sun Jan 11 2009 1:12 AM by James Martinez

The new Circuit EV is still based on the Lotus Europa but features much more traditional Dodge styling cues

Back in September Chrysler showed off three vehicles designed to show the world that it too could keep up with Ford and GM as they developed low emissions powertrains for the future. One of those vehicles was essentially a Lotus Europa with Chrysler badging, but this was understandable as the project was in its initial stages.

Today, the company showed off what was supposed to be a Dodge electric sports car, however, they have again chosen to simply re-brand a Lotus Europa, this time adding some additional Dodge styling cues to make it look more original.

Chrysler claims the Dodge Circuit EV is capable of some impressive figures – 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds and a standing quarter mile in 13 seconds - figures that would make any sports car proud, let alone an electric one.

The Dodge Circuit EV uses three powertrain components for propulsion. These include a 268hp electric motor, a lithium-ion battery system for power, and a controller that manages energy flow. The lithium-ion battery is expected to give the Dodge Circuit EV a driving range of around 150-200 miles depending on the way it's driven. It's charged using a 110v household power outlet, but the charging time can be cut in half by using a 220v outlet. Regenerative braking is also used to help increase the range.

Despite the lofty claims by Chrysler you won't be seeing the Dodge Circuit EV in your driveway any time soon. The vehicle is purely a concept, and the fact that it uses a Lotus underbody implies that a production version of a vehicle like this is years away.

Also on show in Detroit is the Jeep Patriot range-extended EV concept, which you can read about by clicking here.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Circuit EV concept

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Reader Comments

Mon Jan 5 2009 12:44 PM
LisaV says

A further iteration of the 02 Dodge Razor - 07 Demon light sportscar project. Penned primarily to compete with the halo Miata and ballyhooed Solstice, the concept was for a straigt up IC powertrain, chassis and motor designed and built in-house.

With Mercedes severing ties, the 2.4L Four cylinder, "Friendly Giant" from the PT Cruiser was the only engine available, and given the ecomomic times at Chrysler, these concept Chassis
languished in the warehouse.

Fast forward to sky rocketing oil and nose diving borrowing power. Desparate to please Daddy, the rolling chassis concepts were hastily mated with off-the-shelf electric drivetrains in 2008.

In no way did Chrysler team with Lotus. This car and the previous concept cars have had no relationship, other than spiritual, with the new Lotus Europa.
Mon Jan 5 2009 5:19 PM
NoNameDenton says

Hope they did a better job of disguising that it is a Lotus. I would really like to see a hybrid-diesel.
Fri Jan 9 2009 3:14 AM
LisaV says

Your right NoNameDenton! It's a fake. They took someone elses car and pretended they'd made it. Good Grief... What's more, I just learned the in-house small car project was going to be farmed to China (Chery). These beggars are chiseling us worse than the Iraqis. I wouldn't mind if they were open about it.
Sun Jan 11 2009 10:39 AM
SuperSkyline89 says

You think that's bad, that it's really a Lotus?

They had a EV Town and Country at the LA show with a friggin tailpipe sticking out the back . . . They were busted by the Garage419 guys on video, Chrysler refused to comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIiC5eZ4Rpw
It's at about 1:54
Sun Jan 11 2009 9:08 PM
NoNameDenton says

This looks better, but needs an engine, how about a turbo DI Phoenix engine.
Sun Jan 18 2009 6:47 AM
LisaV says

SuperSkyline89 Chrysler EV.. Bahahahahah !!!! Snicker...
Tue Jan 20 2009 5:27 PM
lotus1 says

This car is identical to the Lotus Elise! Bastard twin if they did not work together to get this design.
Sat Feb 7 2009 12:54 PM
yuehancao(john) says

That looks so like lotus uropa/s

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