The smallest of the Big Three automakers wants to spend $448 million developing plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
Chrysler outlined the plan in proposals it submitted to the Department of Energy in a bid for matching funds the government is providing to hasten the creation of EVs.
Under the proposal, Chrysler and its "partners" would spend $224 million apiece should the DOE approve the plan. That includes $83 million to build a tech center and factory in Michigan dedicated to the vehicles, Reuters reports. The operation would be running by 2010 and build more than 20,000 vehicles annually.
Chrysler announced an ambitious plan last fall to build three electric vehicles and have the first of them in showrooms next year. The cars included electric versions of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and Jeep Wrangler SUV and the Dodge Circuit (pictured), a two-seater based on the Lotus Europa.
But the automaker said Tuesday the vehicles it would develop include a Dodge Ram plug-in hybrid pickup, a Town & Country plug-in hybrid and a Town & Country EV, according to Reuters.
"This plan will accelerate our efforts to develop and manufacture electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which will reduce the amount of time it will take to get these vehicles on the road," Frank Klegon, executive VP for product development, said in a statement.
Chrysler has been operating in bankruptcy since April 30. A ruling on the company's plan to sell its most valuable assets is expected this week.
Via Reuters
UPDATED 2:45 p.m. Eastern to fix a broken link.
