Chrysler TEVan

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The Chrysler TEVan, also known as the Dodge Caravan Electric was a battery electric vehicle produced from 1993 to 1995 by Chrysler, based on the contemporary gasoline-powered second generation Chrysler minivans, and sold primarily to electric utilities throughout the United States.

History[edit]

The TEVan was developed in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute, a voluntary association funded by electric utility members.[1][2] Only 56 were produced and these were sold for approximately US$120,000 each upon their introduction. The TEVan model name was used for prototypes; Chrysler marketed the minivans as the Dodge Caravan Electric.[3] The first five were delivered to east coast utilities in April 1993, and total planned production for 1993 was 50; prices would be reduced to US$100,000 in March 1994. However, the cost of production was estimated at US$250,000 to US$300,000 per vehicle.[4]: 49 

Half were produced using nickel-iron battery chemistry and half were equipped with nickel-cadmium battery chemistry. The TEVan was built on the same production line as the conventional minivans at Windsor Assembly in Ontario, Canada.[3] It had a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h), seating for five adults, and a curb weight of 5,060 lb (2,295 kg). Between March 3 and March 11, 1993, a prototype TEVan completed a road trip from Detroit to Los Angeles, towing a pulse charger developed by Norvik Traction, which was able to recharge the NiCd battery in 30 minutes.[3]

After the third generation Chrysler minivans were introduced, a similar electric-powered variant named the EPIC (Electric Powered Interurban Commuter Vehicle), taking its name from the 1992 Dodge EPIC concept, was launched in 1997 with advanced lead acid batteries and later in 1998 with nickel metal-hydride batteries. It was offered for lease in New York and California in 1999.

Technical details[edit]

Batteries[edit]

The 180V nickel-cadmium pack consisted of 30 SAFT STM5-180 6V 180Ah batteries in six removable pods under the floor of the car, delivering over 50 miles (80 km) of range, and used an automatic watering system for easy battery maintenance.

The nickel-iron pack consisted of 30 Eagle-Picher 6V 200Ah batteries in six pods under the floor and delivered over 60 miles (97 km) of range. A Chrysler executive testified the vehicle had 80 miles (130 km) of range on the SAE C-Cycle.[3] Data from an early prototype stated the nickel-iron battery pack weighed 2,100 lb (950 kg) and provided a range of 120 mi (190 km).[1] By 1991, the prototype battery pack weight had been reduced to 1,800 lb (820 kg).[2]

Charger[edit]

The TEVan's on-board charger was a PFC Martin-Marietta and accepted 120 VAC@20A or 40A, 240 VAC@20A or 40A, and as high as 220 VAC@40A- three-phase inputs. Regenerative braking was possible.[1]

Powertrain[edit]

The prototype TEVan was fitted with a 35 hp (26 kW) DC traction motor, giving it a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h).[1][2] The production TEVan used a 27 hp, 65 hp max (48 kW) Separately-Excited GE DC traction motor coupled to a two-speed FWD trans-axle that featured Hi, Lo, Reverse and Park. The owner's manual referred to it as a 'semi-automatic transmission' although it used a clutch. The motor controller was also manufactured by GE.

The EPIC used an AC traction motor and single speed transmissions.

Accessories[edit]

The TEVan had an 8.8 kW three-stage ceramic electric heater. The 120A DC/DC converter provided all the 12v power, there was no auxiliary (12V) battery. Gauges included motor temperature and SOC (state of charge, akin to "Fuel Level") using the stock instruments. It was also equipped with electric air conditioning (R-134a), regenerative braking, power brakes using a Delco electric vacuum pump, power steering, AM/FM Stereo, and airbags. The original equipment tires were LRR, (Low Rolling Resistance), Goodyear P205/75R15 Momentum at 50PSI.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Nadel, Brian (March 1990). "Automotive Newsfront: Plug-in minivan". Popular Science. pp. 39–40. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Shuldiner, Herb (September 1991). "New Age EVs". Popular Science. pp. 27–29, 102. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "Statement of Doran K. Samples, Program Management Executive, Electric Minivan Project, Chrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI". Status of Domestic Electric Vehicle Development (Report). Subcommittee on Energy of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Third Congress, First Session. May 11, 1993. pp. 52–59. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  4. ^ Electric Vehicles: Likely Consequences of U.S. and Other Nations' Programs and Policies (Report). Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives. December 1994. Retrieved 30 May 2024.

External links[edit]

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