Chrysler Corp., Auburn Hills, Mich., has announced plans to begin production of the world's only electric minivan in October at the company's Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario. EPIC (Electric Powered Intraurban Commuter), an electric version of the 1999 Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, will be made available to fleet owners in New York and California.
The vehicle's design is based on real-world experience and customer feedback on Chysler's TEVan, an electric minivan sold to fleets from 1993-1995.
EPIC is powered by a nickel metal hydride battery pack. Top speed for EPIC is 80 mph. It has a projected range of 80 to 90 miles on a full charge. "While there's still a gap in cost and operating range between electric- and gasoline-powered vehicles, we're working hard to close that gap," says Craig Love, Chysler's executive engineer for electric vehicles.
