Chrysler's EV revolution includes a 'freshened' minivan 'to transform that segment'

Chrysler’s rapid evolution to an all-electric brand over the next six years will include the introduction of at least three new battery electric vehicles, including a production version of the electric crossover concept introduced at CES in January, an SUV and a “freshened” minivan, currently assembled for the automaker in Windsor, Ont., only.

Christine Feuell, who took over as the brand’s CEO in September, told Automotive News Canada Tuesday the new vehicles will set Chrysler up for growth while also helping it hit its target of having a fully electric lineup by 2028.   

“We’re setting the bar very high because we know we can achieve it.”

Currently, Chrysler has just three models available in Canada: the 300 sedan, the Grand Caravan and the Pacifica minivans. The Pacifica comes with either a gasoline engine or as a plug-in hybrid.

Now under the Stellantis banner, the nearly 100-year-old brand is working on a revival.

Feuell said the Airflow concept revealed last month sets the direction. The company is planning to launch a production version of the electric crossover by 2025, though changes between the concept and final product are certain.

“We’re going to continue to maintain a pulse of the market and what’s required for us to be a real leader in the segment and so the technology will continue to evolve and we really want to push the design.”

Battery range and fast-charging capabilities are two areas Chrysler is keeping a close eye on developments in, Feuell said. As presented at CES, the Airflow promised between 560 kilometres to 640 kilometres of range.

Chrysler has revealed few details about its wider plans for the all-electric vehicle lineup.

Feuell confirmed an SUV can be expected from the brand, but would not elaborate.

The minivan segment, meanwhile, is seen as a “mainstay” for Chrysler, she said.

“We invented the category over 40 years ago, and when we take a look at what the future Pacifica will look like when it’s ready to be freshened, we want to continue to transform that segment.”

With the self-imposed 2028 deadline for the conversion of all nameplates to battery electric, the clock is ticking on changing over Chrysler’s current minivan lineup.

The company would not discuss any plans for future production, but Windsor, Ont. has been home to minivan production since the first Dodge Caravans and Plymouth Voyagers rolled off the line in the 1983.