Chrysler will use the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show, which begins in Las Vegas later today, to announce plans to launch its first electric vehicle by 2025, and eventually a full line of electric vehicles in early 2020. year 2028.
As a preview of that electric future, Chrysler will introduce the Airflow Concept, an electric crossover with a two-motor powertrain and enough battery capacity for up to 400 miles of range.
In addition to the powertrain, Airflow also hints at new connectivity features we’ll likely see on Chrysler vehicles in the not-too-distant future. These include an operating system called STLA Brain, which will allow over-the-air updates.
Chrysler Airflow Concept
There’s also an interface called STLA SmartCockpit, which includes a touchscreen for the instrument cluster, a central infotainment center and a dedicated interface for the front passenger. Chrysler says Airflow also has a camera facing each seat, allowing occupants to participate in a video conference call if desired.
The third future tech preview in Airflow is STLA AutoDrive. This is the trademark for future Stellantis driver-assistance features, including a complete self-driving system. Airflow is said to be equipped with a self-driving system that is rated at Level 3 on the SAE scale of self-driving capabilities. There is no mention of what situations the Airflow can handle on its own, but the Level 3 rating indicates that, in certain situations, the concept can handle itself but requires the driver to ready to take back control at any time.
It will be quickly noted that Chrysler’s Airflow name dates back to 1934. The original Chrysler Airflow (actually a family of models) was the first production vehicle designed for low aerodynamic drag on road use. wind tunnel. That gave it a distinctive streamlined look that was not to the tastes of most buyers at the time. Chrysler quickly reset the Airflow, then removed it completely after 1937.
Chrysler Airflow Concept
Though it was a low sales pitch, the Airflow’s focus on aerodynamics, as well as its all-steel construction, set the tone for future cars. Given the importance of low drag to maximize efficiency and range, Airflow also seems like an appropriate reference for EVs.
Chrysler hasn’t provided many specific details about its electric vehicle plans, but we do know the brand has access to total four platforms for EVs Developed by parent company Stellantis. The platforms will offer up to 500 miles of range and up to 4.3 kWh/mile of performance in some models, according to Stellantis.
Stellantis also signed a memorandum of understanding with LG Energy Solution for potential battery supply in North Americaand is funding the developer of the solid-state battery Factorial.
Chrysler Airflow Concept
However, CEO Carlos Tavares has said that the added cost of producing electric vehicles is “exceeding“for what the industry can sustain.
Chrysler’s only current plug-in vehicle is Pacifica Hybrid mini truck. Also available with a conventional petrol powertrain, the Pacifica (along with the Voyager sub-model) itself makes up one of half of Chrysler’s current lineup, along with 300 sedans.
