Chrysler turned some heads this week with the unveiling of their beautifully designed extended range EV concept, the 200C.   Like the Chevy Volt, the 200C would have a 40 mile all electric range that is supplemented by a gasoline engine that is not part of the drive train but instead powers a generator that recharges the batteries, extended the range of the electric motor.  Chrysler estimates that the total effective range on a full tank of gas and a full battery will be 400 miles. 

They aren’t hedging all their bets on the EV power train however.  According to Chrysler the 200C will be able to house either the ENVI EV extended range power train or the new Phoenix V6 gasoline engine.  I can’t blame Chrysler for trying to keep their options open considering the financial position they are in, but I have to ask, do they even have the ability to bring this from concept to production?  Time will tell.

Oh, wait, one other cool tidbit… Besides it’s elegant design and EV drive train, the 200C boasts Chrysler’s uConnect communication/computer system that allows you to control the temperature, door locks, a in-cabin camera and track your car’s location all through your iPhone. 

Sources:  Jalopnik, NYT & Autoblog Green