Big Three CEOs drive green to Capitol Hill

December 4, 11:08 AMDC Auto ExaminerChris Amos

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Jeep Renegade Electric Prototype on Capitol Hill 

After the PR nightmare caused by the Big Three CEO’s use of private jets to travel to D.C. in search of federal aid, the execs chose a more pedestrian means of travel today: driving.

Chrysler LLC CEO Bob Nardelli arrived at the U.S. Senate this morning in an electric Jeep Renegade prototype, part of a caravan of vehicles that included the now-defunct Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and a high performance electric sports concept car known only as the Dodge EV.

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli addresses the press on Capitol Hill

I spoke with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler’s Vice president of Advance Vehicle Engineering and President of the ENVI electric vehicle group, who was optimistic about the potential of Chrysler’s new-era vehicles. According to Rhodes, “these vehicles have all use minimum 40 miles lithium-ion batteries, so for the average consumer, the capability is there. The intention is to make these vehicles available for the mass market,” said Rhodes, who added that plans for a more mainstream electric vehicle like the Jeep Patriot may be revealed soon. 

After dropping off the Chrysler chief, the vehicles were parked behind the Russell Senate Office Building where they will be on display today and tomorrow until 1pm each day. Alongside the Chrysler products were hybrid/electric vehicles from Ford and GM, including the Escape and Malibu Hybrids and the highly anticipated Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Dodge Ev prototype outside the U.S. Senate