2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager concept review

Chrysler ecoVoyager concept review:

Elegant luxury design coupled with advanced hydrogen fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

Chrysler`s concept for 2008 – the ecoVoyager – marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

"The 2008 Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle celebrates the romance of automobile travel embodied in a four-door, four-passenger, distinctively American automobile of spirited design," said Greg Howell, principal ecoVoyager concept exterior designer. "While the ecoVoyager`s supple, flowing one-box shape is purposely designed to achieve aerodynamic efficiencies, it also pushes the Chrysler brand language in a new direction of `elegant simplicity,` by taking full advantage of the space normally occupied by a bulky conventional powertrain setup to drastically reduce the front overhang."

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler`s harmonization of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology

The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager`s wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer`s typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.

The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender – in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell -- to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager`s total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions – besides water vapor -- come from the tailpipe along the way.

With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager`s floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.


Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with hydrogen fuel cell range extender)

Two-row seating, four-passenger

Weight and Dimensions
Weight/GVWR 2750 lbs./3500 lbs.
Length 191.2 inches/4856mm
Width at H-point 75.4 inches/1915mm
Height 63.0 inches/1600mm
Wheelbase 116.0 inches/2946mm
Couple 1-2 45.4 inches/1154mm
Front overhang 34.0 inches/864mm
Rear overhang 41.2 inhces/1046mm
Track front/rear 65.6 inches/1666mm
Approach angle 15.0 degrees
Departure angle 20.9 degrees
Turn circle 40 feet/12.2m
Maximum width 75.4 inches/1915mm

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Front wheel drive

Motor Single electric
Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking

Battery 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack

Range extender Hydrogen fuel cell, PEM 45kW
700bar (10,000psi) high pressure tanks

Suspension Front – MacPherson Strut
Rear – MacPherson Strut

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front/rear P235/45R22x8 30.3 inches/770mm
Tire manufacturer Goodyear

Color Scheme
Exterior Polar Ice Blue
Interior Dove Gray

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph 8.8 seconds
Standing ¼ mile 12.9 seconds
Top speed 115 mph
All-electric range 40 miles
Total range 300 miles