Chrysler's Peapod - The City-Friendly EV Future

Chrysler has committed to producing one of three full-size EVs by 2010. The other chess piece in their green makeover board is the Peapod, an ultra-compact EV aimed at urban drivers, also to hit the streets in 2010.

The Peapod will be available as a one-seater, two-seater or utility van and has a 30-mile range per charge. The car was developed by Chrysler-owned Green Eco Mobility (GEM) and prices are said to start at around $20,000.

The company plans to build the cars in existing factories near key markets to save money and reduce life-cycle CO2 emissions. The downside is that the Peapod reaches maximum speed at 25 mph, which limits its use to either downtown or neighborhood driving.

Via gas 2.0

Comments

[pfon71361]

The Aptera 3-wheel car (if produced as planned for the end of 2008) will get 140 miles to a charge and achieve 85 mph. I'd be more inclined to purchase something like that than the Peapod which has much more limited utility.

[GalaxyDrifter]

These would be great for the over 55 age group gated communities or sprawling retirement and golf towns (Palm Springs).
However in the work a day world of big cities or even rural highways these little toys would get blown and honked off into the ditch within two minutes of leaving the house.
And I am not trying to be rude because we really need new vehicle concepts,,,,, but $20,000 for a snappy looking golf cart??
And why would I even look at this tinker toy after watching videos and reading about the Tesla sports car.
Also have you ever noticed how every awesome new car that is going to save us is always a "proof of concept" or "prototype" and its always two to ten years away from market but then you never hear about it again?

[Barrie O'Leary]

Galaxy Drifter, you said it all! Manufacturers don't want to be caught with a dead pony and this could only be that. Thirty miles per recharge! No, Express ways will be clogged with slow moving vehicles and the Highway Patrol would need a fleet of trucks to remove clonked out vehicles. Maybe we could gt to a garge and recharge, like a battery thee days, but hat has to be put in place first. A golf buggy has its limitations and is accepted with such, but not a motorised vehicle. Not for me.