Comparison of 2009 Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler Electric Vehicles

Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles are all produced under the same parent company and share many of the same parts. This is especially true of the Electric Vehicles. All of the electric vehicles from these three marks rely on Chrysler ENVI electric-drive technology and so have similar characteristics. The Circuit is an "All-Electric" vehicle, while the Town and Country, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot are "Extended Range" vehicles.

2009 Dodge Circuit EV

The Dodge Circuit is an all-electric two-passenger performance coupe with a driving range of between 150 and 220 miles. The Circuit is Dodges answer to the venerable Tesla all electric sports vehicles.

The 200 kW electric motor is capable of 268 horsepower and can propel the Circuit from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds and can do the standing quarter mile in 13 seconds with a top speed of more than 120 mph.

Charging the Circuit is done by plugging the vehicle into a standard 110 outlet or a 220 household appliance outlet.

2009 Chrysler Town & Country EV

The Chrysler Town and Country is a family oriented vehicle built with ENVI electric-drive technology. The Town and country is an extended range vehicle meaning that is has a rather limited distance capability when relying strictly on the batteries (about 40 miles), but that distance is extended by a gas powered generator that is capable of extending the range to about 400 miles.

The Town and Country can seat 7 people and has a 200 kW electric motor capable of about 268 horsepower.

2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Electric Vehicle was first unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV prototype is a two-wheel drive Wrangler. Running strictly on battery power the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV has a 40 mile range which is extended using the Chrysler ENVI electric-drive technologies.

Electric power offers some interesting possibilities when off roading. Highest on the list is the ability to provide instant high torque to the wheels and the ability to control each wheel independently. While this vehicle doesn?t come in 4 wheel drive at this time, that is something that Jeep is considering in the future.

2009 Jeep Patriot EV

The Jeep Patriot Electric Vehicle was first unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The Jeep patriot is a Sport SUV using the Chrysler ENVI electric-drive technology. As with the other vehicles on this list the Patriot has a 40 mile all electric driving range that is extended using a gas powered generator and can reach up to about 400 miles.

The Patriot uses a smaller 150 kW electric motor that produces about 200 hp. It can accelerate from 0-60 in about 8 seconds. 2009 Jeep Patriot Specifications

EV Charging Stations

While the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler Town and Country do not rely entirely on the ability to find electric charging stations for many the reason for buying an electric vehicle is to reduce the amount of dependence on foreign fuels and smog producing fuels so the ability to remain for the most part on electric power is important. For this reason many owners of electric vehicles choose to look for businesses that cater to EV owners and provide EV charging stations.

Electric vehicles are also very popular with RV owners that use the EV Charging stations provides by many of the better RV parks. Choosing RV parks that offer EV charging allows the EV owner to charge their vehicle while relaxing at the park during the evening and then use their more economical electric vehicle during the day to visit attractions around the RV Park.

Chrysler ENVI electric-drive technology

Chrysler ENVI electric-drive technology combines power and performance with the ability to reduce tail pipe emissions and at least in part the need for total dependence on fossil fuel. Electric power gives us a choice of methods to power our vehicles. While much of the electric power produced today comes from fossil fuels or coal, both of which also harm the environment, advances in power manufacturing has given us a host of other methods including wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro-electric. In time as these methods advance, the need for fossil fuels will continue to reduce.