2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
Green is in -- especially during this autoshow season. Virtually every automaker has a concept that is as frugal at the gas pump as it is easy on the environment -- at least on paper or in concept form. So it was no surprise when Chrysler announced three eco-concepts that it will debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager, Dodge ZEO, and Jeep Renegade concepts are all tied together by one thing: electric power. Only one of the concepts (the Dodge ZEO) uses electric power alone, while the electric batteries team up with diesel power and a hydrogen fuel cell in the Jeep Renegade Concept and Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, respectively. Here's the rundown on all three vehicles:
2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept combines four-door, four-passenger functionality, wrapped in a sleek, elegant body. A one-box design is utilized to maximize space, and the vehicle runs on a 200kw lithium-ion battery pack in tandem with a small hydrogen fuel cell for additional range. Chrysler claims the ecoVoyager should produce a range of 300 miles using both electric and hydrogen power (40 miles on electric power alone) and of course, water vapor -- the concept's only exhaust. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is dispatched in under eight seconds, according to Chrysler.
2008 Chrysler ZEO Concept
2008 Dodge ZEO Concept
Dodge has designed its ZEO Concept as a sports wagon, featuring "2+2" seating that gives room for four passengers. Powered with what sound like the same 200kw lithium-ion batteries as the Chrysler ecoVoyager, the vehicle is electric only and boasts a range of at least 250 miles. Built for the enthusiast, the ZEO is obviously trying to show that eco-friendly doesn't need to be dull. Now that the Magnum will be discontinued, could this car carry on the muscle-wagon theme for the 21st century?
2008 Jeep Renegade Concept
2008 Jeep Renegade Concept
The 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept clearly has sport on its mind. With a chopped-down, speedster-style windscreen, roll bar, convertible body style, and a hose-out, water-friendly interior, the Renegade Concept has been designed with a go-anywhere attitude. And of course, its lithium-ion battery combined with a small-displacement Bluetec diesel engine ensures that it stays true to the eco-theme. Emphasis has also been placed on light weight with the extensive use of aluminum in the concept's construction. A range of 40 miles on pure electric power and combined electric/diesel fuel economy of 110 mpg are impressive figures -- that is if they are actually attainable in a production version.
All we have for the moment are the concept sketches of each car's exterior and the predictions of each vehicle's capabilities. Of course, we'll bring you more information and photos live from the Detroit Auto Show floor this January when the actual concept vehicles make their debut in the flesh. Until then, keep it tuned to Motor Trend Online for all your pre-show updates.