The Stellantis top American marquee, Chrysler has introduced the Airflow EV concept at the CES 2022, with a promise to bring its first battery-electric car in 2025 before transforming into a full EV brand by 2028. The concept does not only signify a likely production car but also shows the automaker’s future EV plans and Level 3 autonomy.
The Airflow crossover EV also promotes the Chryslers’ new design language with a big departure from the present 300’s blocky styling. Besides, the concept shows us a wide range of connectivity facilities that will let the passengers manage different functions of their lives right from the car such as home security, video conferencing, etc.
Powertrain
One of the biggest challenges in creating an EV is its platform and it wouldn’t have been a problem for Stellantis being the fourth biggest automaker in the world. The company has created a new battery-specific architecture called STLA. The Airflow is built on this platform with an expected range of 350 and 400 miles (563 and 643 kilometers).
Furthermore, the concept is an all-wheel-drive affair featuring two 150-kilowatt (201-horsepower) Electric Drive Modules (EDMs) each containing the motor, geartrain, and inverter, generating around 400 horsepower between the two EDMs.
Besides accommodating mid-sized cars and crossovers, the STLA will be able to underpin bigger, more powerful vehicles. Regarding voltage compatibility of the EVs, Stellantis earlier revealed that their power modules would be a minimum 400-volt compatible with the flagship EMS offering 800-volt architecture. The Airflow likely would come with 800-volt architecture. Unfortunately, we do not have any news regarding the battery capacity.
Stellantis New Technology
On the technology front, Stellantis will use its news STLA Brain electronic/electric architecture offering over-the-air updates to upgrade the vehicle features from time to time. Besides, the STLA SmartCockpit will bring separate displays for every passenger inside the cabin providing connected entertainment, downloadable apps, and e-commerce functionality.
The latter will allow the occupants to order goods and foods, pay for parking, and so much more. Every display will also feature its own camera to make video calls on the go. You might think a screen for the driver would be a nightmare, right? Well, that’s where the self-driving tech comes in.
Chrysler has joined hands with BMW to create STLA AutoDrive technology – a Level 3 self-driving suite that allows hands-free driving on the freeways or offers restricted access highway driving. In other words, Level 3 autonomy means the driver can divert attention from the road while taking their hands off the wheels. They can work or play while the car drives itself.
New Design
The Chrysler Airflow concept boasts a totally new design compared to the current blocky 300. It has a long wheelbase, a wide track, 22-inch wheels, a low centre of gravity offering superb handling and performance. However, we doubt they will be comparable to the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 or Porsche Taycan.
Interior Comfort
Similar to the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60, Chrysler offers a laid-back, lounging feel inside. As there is no driveshaft, the floor is totally flat. In addition, we find pedestal-design mounts for front and back seats for enhanced toe space. We can also see a floating centre console, a low-profile armrest, and a sliding cargo floor.
While Chrysler didn’t reveal their plans to put Airflow into production, we believe it will be the first EV from the brand before the company transforms into an all-electric automaker.
Source and Images: Motor1