Summary
- Development of Chrysler’s first EV has been paused, raising questions about its launch timeline
- The electric crossover project, internally designated C6X (CA), has been put on hold indefinitely
- The initial design of the EV was changed 18 months into the development cycle, leading to a completely new direction for the vehicle
- The new Halcyon concept showcases Chrysler’s new design language and previews the brand’s second EV
- Chrysler CEO Chris Fuell confirmed the pause in development, hinting at a future model inspired by the Halcyon concept and sharing platform with the Dodge Charger EV
Article
Chrysler Pauses Development on First EV, Raises Questions on Timeline for Launch
Chrysler’s first venture into the electric vehicle market has hit a snag as the development of its EV, initially set to debut in 2026, has been put on hold. This pause in development raises concerns regarding the timeline for the EV’s eventual launch. The CEO of Chrysler has simply stated that the EV is “coming soon” without providing any additional details, leaving consumers and industry experts alike in suspense.
Uncertainty Surrounds Fate of Chrysler EV
With the suspension of work on the electric crossover that was scheduled to be revealed next year, the fate of the Chrysler EV appears uncertain. Suppliers associated with the upcoming EV, internally known as C6X (CA), were instructed to halt all spending as the program has been put on hold indefinitely. This setback comes after Chrysler had already made significant design changes to the crossover, scrapping the initial concept that had been in development for 18 months.
Chrysler Overhauls Design of EV
Initially expected to be a production version of the Airflow concept, the design of the Chrysler EV underwent a complete overhaul midway through the development cycle. Stellantis design boss Ralph Gilles stated in an interview with MotorTrend that the new design has “literally zero to do with anything that you have seen today, even the Airflow concept car,” indicating a new direction for the vehicle. The recently unveiled Halcyon concept showcases Chrysler’s new design language, which is expected to be adopted for the brand’s second EV.
Chrysler CEO Confirms Delay in Electric Crossover
Chrysler CEO Chris Fuell has confirmed that the electric crossover project has been put on hold, providing little detail other than stating that it is “coming soon” and will be inspired by the Halcyon concept. It is anticipated that both the electric crossover and the Halcyon-inspired EV will share the same 400-volt STLA Large underpinnings with features such as a 100-kilowatt-hour battery and an EPA range of over 300 miles, depending on the version.
Chrysler’s Need for New Models
With only two models currently in its lineup, Chrysler is in need of new vehicles to stay relevant in the competitive automotive market. The Pacifica, which is set to receive a refresh in 2026, and the Voyager are the only models currently offered by Chrysler. Despite the popularity of the Pacifica as one of the top-selling plug-in hybrids in the U.S. market, Chrysler’s limited offerings highlight the importance of introducing new models like the upcoming electric crossover.
Conclusion
The latest developments surrounding Chrysler’s first EV highlight the challenges and uncertainties that automakers face when venturing into the electric vehicle segment. The decision to pause development on the electric crossover raises questions about the timeline for its eventual release and the impact of the design changes on the final product. As Chrysler works towards introducing new models to its lineup, the success of the upcoming electric vehicles will be crucial in determining the brand’s future in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
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