Chrysler shows its ecoVoyager

Chrysler is jumping onto the green bandwagon with its new ecoVoyager concept at the North American International Auto Show. The four-door, four-passenger vehicle is a concept that Chrysler claims offers "a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of the fancy gadgetry." We'd argue that its electric and hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain, and lack of wings, is likely to ensure that it's nothing like private jet travel, but at least travelling in it you're likely to be doing significantly less harm to the environment.

Its electric motors are driven by a lithium-ion battery pack, the 40 mile range it gives likely to satisfy the typical daily commute of most drivers. The 268bhp electric motor powers the front wheels, and gives the ecoVoyager a sprightly 0-60mph time of around 8 seconds. Utilising regenerative braking to scavenge back energy the ecoVoyager makes the most of its battery power, but should you wish to travel further there's a backup in the guise of a small hydrogen fuel cell. It adds around 300 miles of range to the four-seater. In fuel cell guise the only emission from the green machine is water, though you won't be able to get your hands on an ecoVoyager and leave trails of water everywhere yet, as this one's still many years off.

Kyle Fortune