If you’re ready on an EV from Chrysler, you’ll have to attend somewhat longer. The corporate is adjusting plans. Chrysler’s long-awaited electrical crossover is formally on maintain after an e-mail leaked notifying suppliers of the modifications. Right here’s what to anticipate now.
Why is Chrysler’s electrical crossover delayed once more?
Regardless of asserting plans to have an all-electric lineup by 2028, Chrysler has but to launch a single EV. Now, it appears like it will likely be right here even later than anticipated.
After an inside Stellantis e-mail leaked final week, first reported by MoparInsiders, Chrysler confirmed it’s pausing its electrical crossover. The e-mail despatched to suppliers stated this system “has been placed on maintain till additional discover.”
Chrysler’s electrical crossover was initially scheduled to debut later this yr, however the launch date has been pushed again.
On the 2023 Reuters Occasions Automotive USA Convention, Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell stated the model’s first EV will likely be a two-row crossover in 2025.
The electrical crossover was anticipated to be an evolution of the Airflow idea from 2022. Nevertheless, Stellantis’ head designer, Ralph Gilles, who oversees Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Maserati, stated the EV was “evolving in a brand new route” in November 2023.
Impressed by the Airflow, Chrysler’s electrical crossover was purported to be powered by the STLA Massive platform, which additionally underpins the brand new Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona EVs.
The Airflow was based mostly on Chrysler’s RU platform, used for the Pacifica Hybrid, however the firm stated the EV platform would supply extra capabilities.
Chrysler revealed its new imaginative and prescient with the unconventional Haylcyon idea present final yr. Earlier this yr, a model spokesperson confirmed to Automotive and Driver that “Chrysler model CEO Chris Feuell has stated that we’re working to develop a manufacturing model of the Chrysler Halcyon idea in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later.” Nevertheless, no launch date was confirmed.
Electrek’s Take
Chrysler’s electrical crossover being placed on maintain is the newest in a collection of setbacks for Stellantis EV ambitions within the US.
Stellantis gross sales fell one other 15% within the US final yr, marking its fourth straight YOY gross sales decline within the US. Chrysler (-7%), Jeep (-9%), Ram (-19%), Dodge (-29%), and Alfa Romeo (-19%) all offered fewer autos final yr than in 2023.
The first Jeep and Dodge EVs, which had been anticipated to hit US dealerships by the top of 2024, are lastly arriving after encountering software program points.
Is Stellantis in hassle within the US? Over the summer season, former CEO Carlos Tavares advised reporters that unprofitable US manufacturers might be shut down. “In the event that they don’t become profitable, we’ll shut them down,” he stated.
Regardless of this, Feuell advised CNBC a yr in the past, “Chrysler model is right here to remain. It’s being nicely invested in. The model shouldn’t be on the desk for elimination, and it has a really shiny future.”
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