Chrysler has plunged into the slowly but surely getting crowded Electric car market. They have unveiled 3 new designs and have promised that at least one of them shall make the market by 2010. The three are - The Jeep EV , the Dodge EV and the Chrysler EV. If anything, this only serves to increase the pressure on those that have already announced plans such as GM with their Volt to ensure that they get their cars to the markets asap.

Its obviously going to be a case of the early entrant garnering the advantage ; or whatever remains after Toyota has scooped up their share thanks to being so quick with the Prius. However its heartening to see Detroit getting the message albeit lately.

Without further ado, the new designs.

Dodge EV: The answer to the constant criticism of not having any completely green vehicle that fans could look forward to - Chrylser gives you the Dodge EV. With an electric engine capable of generating the equivalent of 268 horsepower and 480 lb/feet of torque, the sportster boasts an estimated 0-60 time of less than 6.0 seconds, and a quarter-mile in less than 13 seconds.

The top speed is about 120 MPH or beyond, with a range of between 160 to 200 miles on a single charge. According to Nardelli, recharging will take eight hours using U.S. standard 110-volt outlets, or about half that using a 220-volt connection. Just to compare, the Volt is both faster (4 seconds for 0-60 and has a top speed of 130 mph).

Chrysler EV: A 7 seater minivan that promises to go upto 40 miles on its electric engine with a gas engine thrown in as a backup. The total range of the car comes to 400 miles. The minivan will do 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, with a top speed of more than 100 MPH. Same engine as that of the Dodge EV.

Jeep EV: An unlikely choice to go electric, but also happens to be my favorite. Should easily refute the standard myth of electric cars not having the brawn that real men would like to drive. Both two- and four-wheel drive versions will be produced, however, with 268 horsepower and 296 lb/feet of torque. The Jeep EV will go 0-60 in about 9 seconds, with a top speed of about 90 MPH.

The estimated range is about 400 miles, with "more than 40 miles" on the electric motor. It has a gas motor as a backup for those long drives - but 40 miles should be enough for a standard commute. What is to be seen is whether its a smart hybrid like the Volt or compratively dumber (no offence intended!) like the Prius.

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