Bikes & Cars...

Chrysler unveiled three EVs this week, one from each of its divisions. There’s a Jeep SUV EV, a Chrysler minivan EV, and a Dodge sports car EV, all slated to go on sale in the U.S. in 2010 as 2011 models. If the automaker can hit that mark, Chrysler’s EVs will beat the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt to market. I bet that fact didn’t escape Chrysler execs.

Chrysler’s EV development team, ENVI, promises that these vehicles will allow drivers to go about their merry way without making major changes to their driving style. The Jeep, for instance, will be a body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicle, while the sporty Dodge will be rear-wheel drive.

The vehicles don’t have names yet, but Chrysler has published specs:

Dodge EV:

• 200 kW = 268 hp
• 0-60 in under 5 seconds
• Top speed 120+ mph
• 150-200 mile range

Jeep EV:

• 200 kW = 268 hp
• 0-60 in 9.0 seconds
• Two- or four-wheel drive
• 400 miles (with help from a small gasoline engine)

Chrysler EV:

• 190 kW = 268 hp
• 0-60 in 8.7 seconds
• Seats seven
• 400 miles (with help from a small gasoline engine)

Photo courtesy of Chrysler LLC.