JAN 14

Chrysler's Dodge brand also has an eco-offering this year. With a gas-extended electric and a fuel-cell-extended electric, there's really only one thing left. Fusion...powered? Well, maybe by the time they actually make it, it will be. But it is the only concept we've seen this year, or for several years looking back, that is a pure electric for a major car company.

The ZEO, which apparently stands for "Zero Emission Operation." The could travel about 250 miles per charge. That's the longest range we've ever seen in an EV, and it's due to the humongous 64 kWh battery back that would pretty much take up the underbody of the car. The ZEO is designed to accommodate 4 passengers...though the rear looks like it would be a bit cramped.

And, of course, since, according to Chrysler, Dodge drivers have a "need for speed," they've mixed "green with mean" (yes these are actual quotes). The car will get you to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Looks to me like the mainstream version of the Tesla Roadster...though a 64 kWh battery is never going to come cheap.

Note: GM paid for my hotel and travel to the Detroit Auto Show.

Comments (8)

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Green Car Coverage
written by Dannah, January 15, 2008

I've been reading your blog for a long time and I really like all the green car coverage. You're doing a great job of keeping up with it all.

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written by PedroTech, January 17, 2008

www.tesla.com
www.motordeaire.com

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written by PedroTech, January 17, 2008

Sorry, I wanted say:

http://www.teslamotors.com
http://www.theaircar.com/

When can we buy it? first we must burn all petrol and then pass a crisis and then only the rich thieves can have clean cars, no?

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Dodge Needs To Beat GM -- Quickly
written by ZEO4ME, April 26, 2008

There are only two things I don't like about the ZEO: 1)The wheels are too big. Make them 18's. And 2)The doors. They're cool, but are they practical? There's a reason why 99.98% of all cars have regular doors.

Anyway, sign me up for one in Lithium Blue.

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Cost
written by curious, May 04, 2008

But how much would this cost? Exactly my point.

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overly expensive shell
written by Ron, June 10, 2008

While the ZEO is sporty and attractive, it also appears to be impractical. Why can't American engineers simple put this technology into a standard sedan that would appeal to a broad range of consumers. After all, the outside of the ZEO is just an overly expensive shell.

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instructor
written by Ron, June 10, 2008

Talk, talk, talk. Is all we get, and that's cheap! When is someone going to back up the talk with action and give the masses a chance to buy? Seems that if you don't have an extra 100K in your pocket you wouldn't be able to buy one anyways. The government keeps telling us how much people in other countries are paying for a gallon of gas. They forget to mention that they make more per year then the avg. US citizen and don't pay for health care and public transportation is everywhere! Fuel cells don't work yet we are told but Sweden has a Hydrogen Highway in place. The US is fast becaoming a 3rd world country.

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written by Tom, June 10, 2008

1) I agree with Ron that while concept cars are nice, there's a reason the first commercially viable hybrid was a simple Prius sedan.

2) Every article on this site *should* say either "not commercially available" or "MSRP is X".

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