It’s gorgeous, it’s an EV, and its from Chrysler, which just killed off several of its most iconic models, the Chrysler 300 sedan and muscle cars Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger, apparently to focus on EVs and Ram trucks.
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept EV just may kick-start the brand back into the “most wanted” category.
Now owned by Italy’s Stellantis, Chrysler and sibling Dodge are part of a 14-brand stable that includes Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep.
The Halcyon is an edgy, fashion-forward vehicle, reflecting Chrysler’s headline-making design trends of the 1990s, with good looks that include a huge glass roof that extends to the hood line, rear-hinged back doors and no B-pillar, to give a clear view of the interior.
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And what an interior!
The four seats can be reconfigured with the rear seats folding and sliding back into the trunk for additional cargo space, while the front seats slide back and recline – although not for driving.
The steering wheel can slide into the dashboard, so passengers can have an unobstructed view through the glass roof to the stars – also not while driving.
There’s a priority Level 4 automatic drive system, called STLA Brain, for almost hands-free driving.
There’s an augmented reality heads up display, which already exists in some vehicles including Mercedes-Benz, which replaces a traditional instrument panel
The STLA Brain also supports AI chatbots, allowing the driver to ask questions and control functions with voice.
The STLA SmartCockpit includes several modes including Prepare, which use the AI virtual assistant to notify the driver of what is coming up for their day, and a Welcome mode that uses biometrics to personalize the experience including lightning, sound and greetings on the screens.
As with most EVs, there’s a power transfer system that re-charges brakes – traditionally known as regenerative braking – to extend range.
As for range – Stellantis isn’t telling, but most new EVs of this size can generate up to 300 miles between charges.
Because it is a concept, not all the features mentioned here will make it into production. Maybe the Halcyon won’t make it into production at all – it wouldn’t be the first concept vehicle to die before production. I’m thinking of the Cadillac Ciera, Hyndai Prophecy EV and Mini Urbanaut. Never heard of them? Only us auto nerds have.
But concept vehicles are important. They give engineers and designers the chance to visit the future, and let us auto nerds dream on.
Halcyon is one of several EVs Chrysler has in the pipeline, including a large crossover in 2025, and a sedan to replace the Chrysler 300. There also are rumors of EV versions of the cancelled Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger.
Here’s the full press release from Chrysler, which we edited to remove the fluff.
Chrysler was founded in 1925 and had a strong early history of innovation, especially muscle cars, including for its Plymouth brand. And its DeSoto brand was a solid leader in sedans. Automotive history, now, when Detroit ruled the roads.
These days, Stellantis is an investor in a startup called Lyten that has developed a 3D graphene that can retain sulfur molecules in the battery cathodes to provide longer cycle life than typical lithium sulfur batteries.
If this can be brought to market, it could be a significant breakthrough in reducing battery cost because it uses no nickel or cobalt and sulfur is much less costly than current cathode materials. It would also have a 60% lower carbon footprint in manufacturing than current batteries.
Stay tuned (pun intended).
All photos courtesy Stellantis, parent corporation of Chrysler
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a current member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
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