2009 Dodge Circuit EV concept electric car
The Dodge Circuit EV is the latest iteration of a Lotus-bodied Dodge electric car, which features a driving range of 150 to 200 miles and a quick 0-60 time of less than five seconds - better than a (non-SRT) Hemi Charger. The quarter mile, Dodge says, comes up in less than 13 seconds. The rebodied car — more attractive than the original Lotus-bodied Dodge electric car — debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
From the press release:
The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish.
"The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. "The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment."
The Dodge Circuit EV is adorned in all-new "Tangoreen" exterior color, wearing large "EV" graphics on both sides of the sports car.
The uncomplicated interior of the Dodge Circuit EV delivers a combination of pure function and athletic refinement. The cockpit design puts complete control of the car at the driver's fingertips. Nestled within a leather-covered instrument cluster are two primary analog-face gauges. A digital display conveys information regarding the electric-drive system.
The seats feature deep bolsters and are covered in premium leather. The same premium leather covers the center console and the width of the instrument panel.
The Dodge Circuit EV delivers all of the convenience features of a performance sports car, including premium sound system, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, speed control.
Propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV posts impressive performance numbers:
0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds
¼-mile in 13 seconds
Top speed of more than 120 mph
The Dodge Circuit EV utilizes just three powertrain components. These include a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.
Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of 150 to 200 miles between charges – more than triple the average daily commute of most consumers. Recharging the vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.
Weight and Dimensions
Length 153.5 inches / 3900 mm
Width 67.5 inches / 1714 mm
Height 45.3 inches / 1150 mm
Wheelbase 91.7 inches / 2330 mm
Track front / rear 57.4 inches / 1457 mm 58.7 inches / 1490 mm
Turn circle 38.0 feet / 11.6 m
Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front - Independent
Rear - IndependentTire size front P195 / 45ZR17 23.9 inches / 607 mm
Tire size rear P235 / 40ZR18 25.4 inches / 645 mm
The original Chrysler TEVan, produced in the early 1990s, used a 54 kilowatt motor, with a top speed of 65 mph and a range of 80 miles on lead-acid batteries designed to last 20 years or 100,000 miles. The EPIC extended that range to 120 miles. The original Dodge EV had the same basic performance specs as the current Circuit.
Also see the GEM Peapod