Wikipedia

Chrysler TEVan

TheChrysler TEVan,also known as theDodge Caravan Electric,was abattery electric vehicleproduced from 1993 to 1995 byChrysler,based on the contemporary gasoline-poweredsecond generation Chrysler minivans,and sold primarily to electric utilities throughout theUnited States.

    • Chrysler TEVan
    • Dodge Caravan Electric
Overview
Model years1993–1995
Body and chassis
LayoutFF
PlatformChrysler minivans (AS)
Powertrain
Electric motorDC
TransmissionTwo-speed
BatteryNiFeorNiCd
Electric range50–60 mi (80–97 km)

History

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The TEVan was developed in partnership with theElectric Power Research Institute(EPRI), a voluntary association funded byelectric utilitymembers.[1][2]Its name was derived from the internal model code (T-0115), motive power (Electric), and body style (Van).[3]The TEVan model name was used for prototypes; Chrysler also marketed the minivans as the Dodge Caravan Electric.[4][5]Previously, EPRI had developed the G-Van, which integrated the lead-acid battery electric powertrain from theGMC Griffon(rebadged from theBedford CF2)[6]with a standardGeneral Motors van body and chassis.[7]

Production began in late 1992.[8]Over three years, 56 were built in total[9]and most were sold at a list price ofUS$120,000(equivalent to $253,000 in 2023) each upon their introduction. The first five were delivered to east coast utilities in April 1993; 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.[10]: 49 

Half were produced usingnickel-iron battery(NiFe) chemistry and half were equipped withnickel-cadmium battery(NiCd) chemistry. The TEVan was built on the same production line as the conventional minivans atWindsor AssemblyinOntario,Canada.[5]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 2,500 mi (4,000 km) road trip fromDetroittoLos Angelesin 155 hours, recharging approximately every hour.[4]The pulse charger was developed by Norvik Traction, and was powered by a diesel generator towed behind a tractor-trailer; it was able to recharge the NiCd battery pack in 30 minutes.[5]

Technical details

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Batteries

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The 180V NiCd pack consisted of 30SAFTSTM5-180 6V 180Ah batteries in six removable pods under the floor of the car, delivering over 50 miles (80 km) of range. During the demonstration drive from Detroit to Los Angeles, several cells overheated and were replaced.[4]

The NiFe pack consisted of 30Eagle-Picher6V 200Ah batteries in six pods under the floor and delivered more than 60 miles (97 km) of range. Chrysler claimed the pack had a lifetime of 100,000 mi (160,000 km).[8]A Chrysler executive testified the vehicle had 80 miles (130 km) of range on the SAE C-Cycle.[5]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]Because NiFe batteries consume water and generate hydrogen gas during operation, an automated water replenishment system and a gas dispersal system were included.[11]: 81 

Charger

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The TEVan's on-board charger was aPFCMartin-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]

In 1992, Chrysler announced a partnership with Norvik Traction to develop an on-board pulse charger compatible with lead-acid, NiFe, NiCd, and NiMH battery chemistries.[12]A stationary system developed by Norvik was able to charge the NiCd battery from empty to full in 25 minutes using a 480 V supply.[13]

Powertrain

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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-ExcitedGEDC 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 production TEVan had a payload of 800 lb (360 kg) and was able to accelerate from 0–50 mph (0–80 km/h) in 31 seconds.[14]: 5 

Accessories

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The TEVan had an 8.8 kW three-stage ceramicelectric heater.The 120A DC/DC converter provided all the 12v power, there was no auxiliary (12V) battery.Gaugesincluded motor temperature and SOC (state of charge, akin to "Fuel Level" ) using the stock instruments. It was also equipped with electricair conditioning(R-134a), regenerative braking, power brakes using a Delco electric vacuum pump,power steering,AM/FM Stereo,andairbags.The original equipment tires wereLow Rolling Resistance (LRR)GoodyearP205/75R15 Momentum at 50PSI.

Successor (EPIC)

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After thethird generation Chrysler minivanswere introduced, a similar electric-powered variant named the EPIC (Electric Powered Interurban CommuterVehicle), taking its name from the 1992Dodge EPICconcept, was launched in 1997 with advancedlead acidbatteries and later in 1998 withnickel metal-hydride(NiMH) batteries. It was offered for lease inNew YorkandCaliforniain 1999.

The NiMH battery weighed 1,200 lb (540 kg) with coolant. It was equipped an AC traction motor and single speed transmissions. The reduced battery weight improved performance, giving the 1998 EPIC a maximum payload of 945 lb (429 kg) and acceleration of 0–50 mph (0–80 km/h) in 12 seconds; range improved to 80 mi (130 km).[14]

References

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  1. ^abcdNadel, Brian (March 1990)."Automotive Newsfront: Plug-in minivan".Popular Science.pp. 39–40.Retrieved30 May2024.
  2. ^abcShuldiner, Herb (September 1991)."New Age EVs".Popular Science.pp. 27–29, 102.Retrieved30 May2024.
  3. ^Bray, Jean A. (July 1991)."Fuels for a cleaner future".The Rotarian.pp. 16–19.Retrieved30 May2024.
  4. ^abc"Electric Car Record: Honors To Chrysler".Popular Science.June 1993. p. 38.Retrieved31 May2024.
  5. ^abcd"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.Retrieved30 May2024.
  6. ^Tripp, M. William (1990). "On-Road Test and Evaluation of the GM Griffon Electric Van".Journal of Passenger Cars.SAE Technical Paper Series.99(6). SAE International: 160–170.doi:10.4271/900137.JSTOR44553967.
  7. ^"Electric Van Enters Production".Popular Mechanics.March 1990. p. 17.Retrieved31 May2024.
  8. ^ab"What's New: Ready for the road".Popular Science.July 1992. p. 16.Retrieved30 May2024.
  9. ^"Chrysler delivers electric minivans to government fleet customers"(Press release). DaimlerChrysler. June 16, 1997. Archived fromthe originalon November 4, 1999.The TEVan was introduced in 1993 with 56 units sold over three years.
  10. ^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.Retrieved30 May2024.
  11. ^Frank, Len; McCosh, Dan (May 1991)."Electric vehicles only".Popular Science.pp. 76–81, 110.Retrieved30 May2024.
  12. ^"Chrysler signs agreement to develop electric-vehicle battery-charging system".UPI Archives.December 30, 1992.Retrieved31 May2024.
  13. ^"Electric Cars: Quick Volts For Electrics".Popular Science.April 1993.Retrieved31 May2024.
  14. ^ab"History of Electric Cars"(PDF).Idaho National Laboratory. 2016.Retrieved31 May2024.
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