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Chrysler TEVan

Dodge Caravan Electric

Plymouth Voyager Electric
Chrysler TEVan; Dodge Caravan Electric; Plymouth Voyager Electric; ;
Overview
Model years	1993–1995
Body and chassis
Layout	FF
Platform	Chrysler minivans (AS)
Powertrain
Electric motor	DC
Transmission	Two-speed
Battery	NiFe or NiCd
Electric range	50–60 mi (80–97 km)

The Chrysler TEVan, also known as the Dodge Caravan Electric or Plymouth Voyager 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

The Chrysler TEVan was developed in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a voluntary association funded by electric utility members.^[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 and Plymouth Voyager Electric.^[4]^[5] Previously, EPRI had developed the G-Van, which integrated the lead-acid battery electric powertrain from the GMC Griffon (rebadged from the Bedford CF2)^[6] with a standard General 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 of US$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 using nickel-iron battery (NiFe) chemistry and half were equipped with nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd) chemistry. The TEVan was built on the same production line as the conventional minivans at Windsor Assembly in Ontario, 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 from Detroit, Michigan to Los Angeles, California in 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

Batteries

The 180V NiCd 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. During the demonstration drive from Detroit to Los Angeles, several cells overheated and were replaced.^[4]

The NiFe pack consisted of 30 Eagle-Picher 6V 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

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]

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

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 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

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 Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) Goodyear P205/75R15 Momentum at 50PSI.

Successor (EPIC)

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 (NiMH) batteries. It was offered for lease in New York and California in 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

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Nadel, Brian (March 1990). "Automotive Newsfront: Plug-in minivan". Popular Science. pp. 39–40. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Shuldiner, Herb (September 1991). "New Age EVs". Popular Science. pp. 27–29, 102. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
^ Bray, Jean A. (July 1991). "Fuels for a cleaner future". The Rotarian. pp. 16–19. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Electric Car Record: Honors To Chrysler". Popular Science. June 1993. p. 38. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
^ ^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.
^ 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. JSTOR 44553967.
^ "Electric Van Enters Production". Popular Mechanics. March 1990. p. 17. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
^ ^a ^b "What's New: Ready for the road". Popular Science. July 1992. p. 16. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
^ "Chrysler delivers electric minivans to government fleet customers" (Press release). DaimlerChrysler. June 16, 1997. Archived from the original on November 4, 1999. The TEVan was introduced in 1993 with 56 units sold over three years.
^ 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.
^ Frank, Len; McCosh, Dan (May 1991). "Electric vehicles only". Popular Science. pp. 76–81, 110. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
^ "Chrysler signs agreement to develop electric-vehicle battery-charging system". UPI Archives. December 30, 1992. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
^ "Electric Cars: Quick Volts For Electrics". Popular Science. April 1993. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
^ ^a ^b "History of Electric Cars" (PDF). Idaho National Laboratory. 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2024.