Chrysler is introducing electric drive prototypes onto its Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge ranges for 2010 in North American markets.

The technology will also be coming to Europe but Chrysler will on say that it will be coming “after 2010”.

The technology will be piloted by 100 government, business and utility vehicles in the US next year.

Jeep will get a hybrid petrol electric powered Wrangler, Chrysler will also get an hybrid petrol electric version of the Grand Voyager and Dodge will get an all-electric performance sports car.

Bob Nardelli, Chrysler chairman and CEO, said: “The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market.”

ENVI

The electric range development is led by ENVI, Chrysler’s in-house company which was formed to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related technologies.

Chrysler’s electric vehicles use three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, a lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow. The electric-drive system is being developed for front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel drive vehicle applications.

The technology will provide zero emissions driving with a range of 150 to 200 miles.

ENVI has also developed range-extended electric vehicles which combine electric-drive components with gasoline engine to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed.