Chrysler might be reinventing the automotive world as we know it with it's latest Dodge muscle car - the Dodge Zeo. This concept is All-American muscle powered by an economic-friendly battery-electric engine.
Chrysler might be reinventing the automotive world as we know it with it's latest Dodge muscle car - the Dodge Zeo. This concept is All-American muscle powered by an economic-friendly battery-electric engine.
The Dodge Zeo makes around 268hp to generate a 0-60 time of just under 6 seconds. The lithium-based battery pack gets a range of up to 250 miles. The Zeo is one of the first serious attempts at making an economic friendly car both environmentally-approved, while also being sports-focused.
With the cost of oil going through the roof and gas prices surpassing $4/gallon, it appears as if major auto manufacturers are taking crucial steps in breaking away from their ties with big oil companies.
"Oil companies have a vested interest in pushing hydrogen fuel cells as the next generation auto fuel, due to the fact that hydrogen, like petrol, requires a distribution and dealership network that the oil companies are excellently positioned to provide," BusinessWeek explains, "But as development continues, it's becoming clear that plug-in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are far more efficient energy users than fuel cell cars—and that the latest generations of lithium battery technology are delivering excellent range, greatly improved safety and even very quick charging times—breaking down the last few remaining barriers to their commercialization. Of course, the cost barrier is still present, with bleeding-edge batteries still doubling the price of even the most high-end car designs, but once they're being produced in any serious numbers, we can expect that to change as well."
"The Zeo is unlikely to go into production in its current form; while the nice curved windscreen/sunroof looks fantastic on the prototype, it's far from a practical design for a roadcar. The mirrors, likewise, are comically small. But the overall 'muscle car meets semi-hatch' look of the Zeo is quite stunning, particularly the rear angle and flared wheel arches."
The Zeo made it's big impact at the Detroit Auto Show and we are hoping that will push Chrysler towards a mass-market version before too long. With the market the way it is, electric cars will be more than ready to take this one on.
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